TravelTech

• SaaS for the Hospitality Sector: This area continues to attract significant investment, with a strong focus on solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve guest experience, and optimise revenue. This includes software for booking management, pricing optimisation, and analytics. The substantial funding rounds in 2024, particularly for companies like Lighthouse (a provider of hotel revenue management solutions which also heavily leverages AI), underscore the importance of technology in modernising hospitality. Other companies active in this space include Impala (which helps hotels optimise their pricing and guest experience) and Shackle (focusing on contactless tools for in-hotel services). The significant funding attracted by companies like Mews (a hospitality management platform) further highlights the investment in this critical sector.
• Travel Booking & Search: While the methods of discovery and booking are evolving, traditional online travel agencies and booking platforms remain a significant part of the ecosystem, often incorporating advanced technology to improve their offerings. Companies like Iglu (an online travel agency that has secured substantial funding, focusing on areas like ski and cruise holidays) and Victor (focusing on booking and search solutions, particularly in private jet charter) represent key players in this segment. The emergence of AI-driven approaches, as seen with Unravel, is adding a new dimension to this area.
• Travel Fintech: Investment in travel-related fintech solutions remains relevant, addressing areas such as payments, expense management, and financial services tailored for travellers and travel businesses. Yonder (a B2C travel fintech company focused on payments) is an example of innovation in this sub-industry.
• Sustainable and Local Travel: Growing traveller awareness of environmental impact is driving interest in sustainable travel options and the exploration of local experiences. Companies encouraging more environmentally conscious journeys include ByWay (which offers flight-free travel options by train, boat, and bus) and platforms like TravelLocal (a travel planner startup) and Travel Creators (a two-sided marketplace for local experiences) that focus on planning sustainable trips and facilitating local experiences.
• Business and Corporate Travel: This segment sees ongoing development in tools designed to streamline corporate bookings and travel management. Companies like Duffel (which enables companies to embed travel bookings within their own apps) and Altovita (focusing on corporate accommodation solutions by providing smart, safe and sustainable living for employees) are notable examples in this area, having attracted significant funding.
• Remote Working and Digital Nomads: The shift towards remote work continues to influence travel patterns. Companies offering solutions tailored to the needs of remote workers and digital nomads, such as platforms for finding suitable workspaces or longer-term accommodation, are emerging. Examples include Flowplaces (which provides dedicated spaces optimised for working) and Swurf (also focused on providing spaces for remote working).

Beyond these specific sub-industries, a significant overarching theme driving recent investment is the application of Artificial Intelligence.

AI-Powered Innovation and Key Investments

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly becoming a foundational technology across traveltech, attracting notable investment into companies leveraging AI to create more intelligent, efficient, and personalised travel experiences. This is a key area of focus for the UK ecosystem and innovation hubs seeking to support the next wave of traveltech leaders.

• AI for Personalized Destination Content and Guest Experience: Providing relevant and up-to-date information about destinations is crucial for enhancing the traveller’s journey. Obvlo, a company with strong ties to the Scottish ecosystem and based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, is a compelling example. Founded in 2021, Obvlo has developed an AI solution for producing and maintaining personalised local content at scale for hotel and travel brands. This technology allows them to offer rich, dynamic, and tailored recommendations to their customers, a significant advancement over manual processes. Obvlo’s $2 million investment supports their growth in addressing this industry pain point, and their location at the EFI highlights the Hub’s role in nurturing promising AI-driven ventures in Scotland.
• AI in Travel Discovery and Booking: The way travellers find and book trips is being transformed by AI, moving towards more intuitive and engaging methods. London-based Unravel is at the forefront of this shift, using AI to power a video-centric commerce platform designed to transform travel discovery by converting inspirational content into bookable experiences. Their innovative approach to travel discovery, powered by an AI booking assistant, addresses evolving consumer preferences. Unravel’s success in securing a $7 million Series A funding round in April 2025 demonstrates investor enthusiasm for AI solutions that reimagine the travel booking process.
• AI in Tours, Activities, and Experiences: Helping travellers find and book the right activities and experiences while at their destination is another area benefiting from AI. London-based Holibob utilises AI to power its platform that connects travellers with ideal tours and activities. Their platform enhances the discoverability and booking of in-destination experiences by leveraging AI to match offerings with traveller preferences. Holibob’s $12 million Series A investment in July 2022 indicates investor confidence in the application of AI within this segment of the travel market. Additionally, GetYourGuide (a large global online marketplace for tours, activities, and attractions) is likely leveraging advanced technology, including aspects of AI, within their operations to enhance discovery and booking of experiences.
• AI in Hospitality Management and Revenue Optimization: AI is having a profound impact on how hospitality businesses operate, particularly in managing revenue and enhancing efficiency. Lighthouse, based in London, is a leading provider of AI-powered revenue management solutions for the hotel industry. Their platform uses AI to process vast amounts of data and deliver crucial insights for pricing and distribution strategies, contributing to optimised performance for hospitality providers. Lighthouse’s significant $370 million Series C investment in November 2024 underscores the critical role of AI in driving efficiency and profitability in hospitality and represented a major contribution to the year’s record funding. Similarly, Mews (a hospitality management platform), is increasingly incorporating AI-powered capabilities, particularly in revenue management, and has attracted substantial funding in the last two years, including $75 million in March 2025, further highlighting the investment trend in AI for hospitality operations.

These examples demonstrate how AI is not just a buzzword but a tangible force driving innovation and attracting significant investment across various parts of the UK traveltech ecosystem, often facilitated by the supportive environment of innovation hubs.