Discover the Innovative Finalists of the 2025 Global Startup Pitch Competition

Introduction to the Global Startup Pitch

Nineteen pioneering travel tech startups have officially reached the finals of the highly anticipated 2025 Global Startup Pitch. This ongoing competition, now in its fourth year, aims to spotlight the most inventive early-stage companies in the travel technology sector. Jointly produced by WiT and Phocuswright, this event promises to unveil the next big names in travel tech.

Background and Support

The remarkable initiative receives significant backing from American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), a strategic partner with Phocuswright. This partnership shines a light on the vibrant innovation landscape within travel technology, demonstrating a commitment to discovering cutting-edge solutions that can transform the travel experience for everyone.

In-Person Competition Details

This year marks a shift from the virtual format of previous competitions, as the finalists will present their ideas face-to-face on the Startup Stage at Phocuswright Europe, occurring on June 10, 2025. It’s set to be an exhilarating day as these innovative minds showcase their concepts to peers, investors, and industry leaders.

Výberový proces

A panel of expertly chosen judges selected these finalists from a vast pool of nearly 200 entries worldwide, focusing on uncovering the most promising startups across four global regions. There’s a tantalizing blend of talent this year, highlighting the dynamic growth of the travel technology sector.

Categories for Competition

The startups are placed into distinctive categories based on their development stage — Seedup a Scaleup. The definitions are outlined as follows:

• Seedup: Companies under three years old with funding not exceeding US$5 million.
• Scaleup: Companies aged three to eight years with funding capped at US$10 million.

Regional Competition Breakdown

Seedups will compete against other Seedups, and the same goes for Scaleups. Each region will crown its own champions during Phocuswright Europe. Notably, nine winners will have the opportunity to journey to Singapore for showcase presentations at WiT Singapore, scheduled for October 6-8.

People’s Choice Awards

During the WiT Singapore event, the audience will get to vote on their favorite Seedup and Scaleup. The winners will be further spotlighted at The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, California, from November 18-20.

Meet the Finalists

Here’s a closer look at the finalists from various regions:

APAC Region

• Plandora (Seedup)
• Replyr (Seedup)
• Loyalty Status Co. (Scaleup)
• Zentrum (Scaleup)

Europe Region

• ImpersonAlly (Seedup)
• SnapIQ (Seedup)
• Arcube (Scaleup)
• Tryp (Scaleup)

North America Region

• Levee (Seedup)
• Traversing.ai (Seedup)
• Sion (Scaleup)
• PassiveBolt (Scaleup)

Emerging Markets

• Kijani Supplies (Seedup)
• Tuki-Travel (Seedup)
• Buzz (Scaleup)
• Turpal (Scaleup)

Wildcards Category

• Videreo (Seedup)
• Toraru (Scaleup)
• Me Protocol (Scaleup)

Winners and Rewards

The startups emerging from the APAC region will receive a delightful prize—a complimentary ASEAN Traveller Pass, generously sponsored by AirAsia MOVE. This pass will cover travel across nine exciting countries, further expanding their reach. Moreover, one lucky winner will be selected randomly for a consulting strategy session with Travel Again Advisory, enhancing their prospects for success.

Continued Commitment to Innovation

The Global Startup Pitch competition represents Phocuswright and WiT’s steadfast commitment to nurturing innovation through a robust platform that includes various events and programs. These include initiatives such as WiT Bootcamps and Phocuswright’s Startup Program, contributing significantly to the travel technology ecosystem.

Judges’ Perspectives

Yeoh Siew Hoon, the founder of WiT, expressed gratitude towards the judges who dedicate their time to selecting this promising group of innovators. She noted the importance of fostering new voices in the global travel startup community.

Echoing this sentiment, Pete Comeau from Phocuswright highlighted the encouraging diversity in submissions this year, reflecting a truly global representation in the startup ecosystem.

Záverečné myšlienky

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