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.

Sonder reports strong quarter, ups revenue forecast
News / Startups
Sonder reports strong quarter, ups revenue forecast
By Linda Fox | August 11, 2021
Sonder says it will have more than 18,000 units in its portfolio by the end of 2021.... Read More
SendSquared raises $1M for guest communications platform
News / Startups
SendSquared raises $1M for guest communications platform
By Linda Fox | August 11, 2021
SendSquared will put the seed funding toward product development and expanding its sales, marketing... Read More
Airlines continue startup investment despite industry woes
News / Startups
Airlines continue startup investment despite industry woes
By Linda Fox | August 10, 2021
Corporate appetite for travel startup investment is strong as IAG launches its sixth accelerator and... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Buoy helps vacation rentals maximize revenue through data
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Buoy helps vacation rentals maximize revenue through data
By Linda Fox | August 10, 2021
Buoy uses an in-house developed buoyancy point algorithm and dashboard enabling vacation rental owners... Read More
wheel-the-world-2m-funding
News / Startups
Accessible travel OTA Wheel the World raises $2M
By Mitra Sorrells | August 10, 2021
Founded in 2018, Wheel the World’s site offers accommodations, things to do and trips in more than 50... Read More
karshare-funding
News / Startups
European car-sharing platform Karshare raises £3M for expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | August 9, 2021
Karshare says its revenue has increased 45% month-to-month across Bristol, Manchester, Coventry and... Read More
Voi adds $45M investment for e-scooter expansion and tech development
News / Startups
Voi adds $45M investment for e-scooter expansion and tech development
By Linda Fox | August 9, 2021
E-scooter company Voi initially announced its Series C round of $160 million in December 2020.... Read More
frontdesk-7m-funding
News / Startups
Urban short-term rental company Frontdesk raises $7M
By Mitra Sorrells | August 5, 2021
Frontdesk plans to continue its aggressive growth plan, with an aim to double its portfolio... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: TravelRank guides travelers to new destinations via AI
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: TravelRank guides travelers to new destinations via AI
By Linda Fox | August 4, 2021
TravelRank's AI analyzes the user's travel history and compares it to data of similar travelers and... Read More
Exoticca lands $30M investment to develop packages platform
News / Startups
Exoticca lands $30M investment to develop packages platform
By Linda Fox | July 30, 2021
Multi-day packages operator Exoticca has now raised a total of $53 million.... Read More
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Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
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Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More