Travel Startups Shattered Funding Records in 2024. We Tracked Billions in Deals
Photo Credit: Pictured: Aircraft by Archer Aviation, which aims to begin public flights in 2026. Archer Aviation
Skift Take
There were several fundraises in 2024 that topped anything the travel industry has seen in years. Travel startups raised billions more than in 2023 despite the number of deals being roughly the same.
2024 was a year of record-breaking startup fundraises for the travel industry.
Skift tracked more than 200 startups that raised $13.1 billion. Even removing the outlier — Waymo, which raised $5.5 billion — the $7.6 billion total was more than double the total from 2023 despite there being roughly the same number of deals overall.
Lighthouse, a tech platform that helps hotels set rates and more, had the largest deal for a travel software company with a fundraise of $370 million.
Skift tracked the fundraises through a weekly roundup article, compiled from company announcements and exclusive reporting.
While the total is a big number, the actual total is surely higher. That’s because some startups do not share when they raise money, and some do not disclose amounts raised. And we don’t track all global markets.
Below is an overview of key raises, funding trends, and other important developmen
