Top Travel startups to watch in 2024

It is estimated that travel tech is worth 8.6 billion U.S dollars, a figure that is set to increase by as much as 45% over the next three years. From travel booking platforms to corporate relocation platforms and e-SIM providers, innovation is the name of the game. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top ten travel startups, helping to make the travel industry a more exciting, convenient and user friendly space.

The Top Three

Plum Guide

Plum Guide is a booking platform that allows holiday goers the opportunity to stay in the world’s most remarkable holiday homes. Using a proprietary ‘Perfect Stay Test’, the platform separates the good from the great, establishing the first globally recognised mark of quality in the homestay sector.
1
.

Seatfrog

Seatfrog allows users to book train tickets, switch trains, and bid for an upgrade to first class through its app. The platform aims to reinvent the experience of catching a train and help operators run a more profitable network.
2
.

Journee

Journee asks users to fill out a questionnaire before it secretly matches them to a destination based on their travel preference. The platform then takes care of everything with users finding out where they are going when they get to the airport.
3
.
1
.

Plum Guide

Plum Guide is a booking platform that allows holiday goers the opportunity to stay in the world’s most remarkable holiday homes. Using a proprietary ‘Perfect Stay Test’, the platform separates the good from the great, establishing the first globally recognised mark of quality in the homestay sector.
Why we’re excited:
A recent report by McKinsey revealed that travellers are shunning hotels in favour of alternative and more personal accommodation. We’re excited by Plum Guide’s proposition as it helps to make this possible for consumers. We look forward to watching as the platform grows, making it easier than ever to find unique properties in exciting destinations.
Founded by:
Founded date:
2015
Funding:
Series Unknown US$ 59.9M
# Employees:
51-100
Location:
London, England
2
.

Seatfrog

Seatfrog allows users to book train tickets, switch trains, and bid for an upgrade to first class through its app. The platform aims to reinvent the experience of catching a train and help operators run a more profitable network.
Why we’re excited:
We believe Seatfrog is key to creating a better future for rail travel for both consumers and rail networks across the U.K - something we desperately need. Not only has the platform grown at an exceptional rate (it achieved 800% revenue growth in 2022), it has helped consumers save £43m across more than 3,400 destinations. It has also helped train operators run more profitable networks and increase new revenue by over 300%. We look forward to watching this high growth startup go from strength to strength.
Founded by:
Founded date:
2016
Funding:
Series Unknown US$ 23.1M
# Employees:
101-250
Location:
London, U.K

70% of startups use Freelancers to scale

3
.

Journee

Journee asks users to fill out a questionnaire before it secretly matches them to a destination based on their travel preference. The platform then takes care of everything with users finding out where they are going when they get to the airport.
Why we’re excited:
Organising a holiday can take a lot of time, that's why we’re excited by Journee’s unique proposition. Its clever matchmaking technology helps to reduce the time it takes to plan and book a trip from 10-30 hours to just 15 minutes. That means holiday-goers can plan their next trip over a quick cup of coffee!
Founded by:
Founded date:
2019
Funding:
Seed US$ 2.1M
# Employees:
1-10
Location:
London, U.K
4
.

AltoVita

AltoVita is a proptech company that aims to simplify relocation for employees at startups up to large corporations. We like to think of AltoVita as a seamless solution to the fragmented corporate accommodation sector.
Why we’re excited:
Following the end of the covid-19 pandemic life has finally returned to normal with business travel once more becoming the norm. We love AltoVita because it ensures employees find accommodation that suits their lifestyle - and is safe. Plus it only takes a few clicks to get started. We think AltoVita is providing a unique solution for an everyday problem and because of that it will transform the corporate travel market.
Founded by:
Founded date:
2018
Funding:
Series A US$ 7.8M
# Employees:
11-50
Location:
London, U.K

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5
.

Shackle

Shackle is used by hotels to provide and maintain hassle free hospitality services in a digital way to guests and travellers. The platform can be used to support everything from check-in (turning the physical desk check into a few clicks of the screen) to opening the room door and even ordering room service.
Why we’re excited:
We love Shackle’s unique approach to customer relations as it ensures a seamless experience for travellers again and again. Shackles clever technology plugs directly into a hotel’s existing backend systems, bringing them all together in its guest-facing app. Over time the app builds guest profiles meaning users can enjoy a customer experience tailored exactly to them.
Founded by:
Founded date:
2020
Funding:
Seed US$ 8.4M
# Employees:
1-10
Location:
London, U.K
6
.

Airalo

Airalo is the world’s first-ever eSIM store. It allows travellers to access over 200+ eSIMs, offering users connectivity and freedom so they never have to carry multiple SIM cards or change their number again.
Why we’re excited:
We all know how unreliable hotel wifi can be which is why we love Airalo. It's interesting proposition allows individuals to remain contactable throughout their travels, removing the pain points associated with keeping in touch overseas. Plus it is a much more affordable option than buying an international roaming plan or a decent local SIM.
Founded by:
Founded date:
2019
Funding:
Series A US$ 7.3M
# Employees:
51-100
Location:
Singapore, Singapore
7
.

Elude

Elude is a budget-first search engine that shows people how far their money will take them. The platform analyses a users budget and availability then generates a list of cities around the world they can travel to. The app aims to enable spontaneous travellers to find the perfect break - fast.
Why we’re excited:
When we plan a holiday we often begin with a desired location. We love Elude’s ambition to turn this concept on its head by encouraging travellers to search for a holiday based on their budget. Afterall, affordability is the number one reason people choose not to travel abroad. We also love the platform’s ability to help users discover something new while reducing the time spent scrolling for a good deal.
Founded by:
Founded date:
2019
Funding:
Seed US$ 7.1M
# Employees:
11-50
Location:
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
8
.

Origin

Origin is a tech-first travel company that helps users to plan private, luxury trips. The unique platform focuses on creating trips that suit a users' tastes while also encouraging them to explore new countries and enjoy new experiences.
Why we’re excited:
We’re excited about Origin because they go above and beyond to ensure travellers enjoy incredible trips every time. For example, all of the travel curators have diverse international backgrounds and unmatched local expertise, meaning every destination is personally vetted and explored (what a job!). We also love that everything is taken care of so travellers can properly relax, unwind and live in the moment.
Founded by:
Founded date:
2019
Funding:
Seed US$ 5M
# Employees:
11-50
Location:
Amsterdam, Holland
9
.

Sēkr

Sēkr is making outdoor travel easier, safer and more connected. The app has the largest database of campsites and makes it easy for travellers to plan the best last-minute adventures.
Why we’re excited:
Since the covid-19 pandemic there has been a notable increase in the number of active and prospective campers according to Statista. We love Sēkr because it makes booking a camping holiday easier than ever by ensuring travellers find safe and social destinations. It’s also exciting to see the camping industry adopt a technology-first approach as it is one of the only hospitality verticals yet to do so. Plus 40% of the Passionfruit team is female so we’re delighted to be championing a female-founded business.
Founded by:
Founded date:
2020
Funding:
Seed US$ 3.1M
# Employees:
11-50
Location:
San Diego, California, U.S.A
10
.

Point.me

Point.me is an online search tool that makes it easy to discover real-time reward flight options. The platform searches routes on more than 150 airlines to uncover reward travel options that would otherwise be difficult to find. It also provides information on how to maximise airline miles and points.
Why we’re excited:
With so many different types of airline miles and points out there, it can be difficult for travellers to keep track of their rewards. As a result, they often end up losing out on benefits. We love Point.me because it scours the internet for travellers, to help them find the absolute best deals and get the most from each and every point.
Founded by:
Founded date:
2020
Funding:
Seed US$ 2M
# Employees:
51-100
Location:
New York, New York, U.S.A
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