Travel Startups and Innovation News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the startups in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more.

Startups are a powerful force driving innovation across the travel industry—from AI-driven personalization and fintech solutions to next-gen mobility and booking platforms. PhocusWire delivers the most relevant travel startups and innovation news, spotlighting emerging companies that are rethinking the way people search, book, and experience travel.

Emerging travel startups and innovations driving the industry forward

Our coverage highlights breakthrough ideas, early-stage funding rounds, and strategic partnerships that bring fresh energy to the travel ecosystem. Whether it's reshaping trip planning, optimizing operations, or solving pain points across the journey, travel startups are challenging incumbents and building the future of travel with agility and purpose.

plentywaka-nigeria-seed-round
News / Startups
African shared mobility startup Plentywaka gets $1.2M seed round
By Mitra Sorrells | August 23, 2021
 Along with the seed round, Plentywaka has acquired Ghana-based mobility startup Stabus.... Read More
Travel startup investment to hit $44B in 2021
News / Startups
Travel startup investment to hit $44B in 2021
By Linda Fox | August 23, 2021
The number of travel and mobility startups grew 5% in 2021, according to Lufthansa Innovation Hub.... Read More
startup-stage-staytick
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: StayTick is a membership-based hotel booking platform
By Mitra Sorrells | August 23, 2021
For an annual membership fee of €25, StayTick says its members save up to 25% on bookings at more... Read More
Swvl acquires Shotl, expands shared transport service
News / Startups
Swvl acquires Shotl, expands shared transport service
By Linda Fox | August 20, 2021
Shared mobility and mass transit provider Swvl has grown its presence to 16 countries through the... Read More
holidayfox-funding-preseed
News / Startups
Camping startup HolidayFox closes £1.17M pre-seed round
By Mitra Sorrells | August 18, 2021
HolidayFox enables travelers to search and book campsites in the United Kingdom and Europe.... Read More
turnoverbnb-funding
News / Startups
Rental cleaning services startup TurnoverBnB raises $4.5M
By Mitra Sorrells | August 17, 2021
TurnoverBnB provides a marketplace that gives rental operators access to cleaners around the... Read More
From burnout to money problems - why startups fail
News / Startups
From burnout to money problems - why startups fail
By Kevin May | August 17, 2021
The sad reality is that travel startups, even without a global pandemic to contend with, experience... Read More
Zipp Mobility raises €1.3M for e-scooter expansion
News / Startups
Zipp Mobility raises €1.3M for e-scooter expansion
By Linda Fox | August 17, 2021
Ireland-based Zipp Mobility holds licenses to operate e-scooters in several U.K. locations.... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: NextRetreat streamlines organizing team travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: NextRetreat streamlines organizing team travel
By Jill Menze | August 16, 2021
NextRetreat uses proprietary technology to streamline the process of organizing team travel.... Read More
HumanForest adds £2.3M in funding for London e-bike launch
News / Startups
HumanForest adds £2.3M in funding for London e-bike launch
By Linda Fox | August 12, 2021
HumanForest has raised £4.5M in total and is backed by Cabify founders.... Read More
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