In mid-September to early October, travel startups were able to secure a significant amount of funding, with 13 startups raising $600 million followed by another six startups raising $500 million. However, the past two weeks have been quieter in terms of fundraising, with eight travel startups announcing raises totaling nearly $40 million. Beacon AI, a Silicon Valley-based company developing AI systems to enhance airline pilots’ performance, raised $15 million in series A funding. The company’s AI-powered tools, such as Murdock and Lighthouse, aim to improve flight safety, operational efficiency, and live flight support. The funding will be used for hiring, gaining new clients, and delivering the technology to commercial and defense clients.
Grounded, a Detroit-based company that outfits camper van interiors with customizable layouts, raised $3.5 million in pre-seed funding. With a manufacturing system that allows for quick outfitting of vans and commercial vehicles, Grounded offers a range of features like beds, gear storage boxes, and smart electronics. The company plans to expand into various markets, including mobile medical, pet grooming, logistics, and mobile refrigeration. AviLabs, based in Reykjavik, raised $8.7 million to help airlines manage flight disruptions and minimize the impact of delays and cancellations on travelers. The technology automates guest communication and tasks like rebooking, hotel bookings, and meal vouchers.
GlobalTix, based in Singapore, secured $5 million in series B funding to enhance its ticketing and distribution tech for the tours and activities sector. With clients in the Asia-Pacific region, GlobalTix’s technology enables digitization of ticketing and reservation operations and connects clients with travel agents worldwide. Vouch, a hotel tech startup in Singapore, raised $2.5 million to help hotels streamline operations and customer service with personalized upselling based on guest behavior and a multi-language AI chatbot. Jet.AI, based in Las Vegas, raised $2.4 million through a securities purchase agreement to streamline bookings and operations for private jets.
A.M.A Selections, a luxury vacation rental startup based in France, raised $1.6 million in seed funding from various investors. The company plans to release an app for booking luxury vacation rentals and ticketed experiences. Jaras Hospitality, a hotel tech startup in Saudi Arabia, raised $666,000 in pre-seed funding to help hotels streamline bookings, share room availability and prices with third-party booking sites, and improve property operations. Overall, the recent funding rounds for these travel startups will help them expand their operations, strengthen their products, and innovate within their respective sectors.
