The new event is the latest effort from the two companies, both part of Northstar Travel Group, to identify startups that are innovating and propelling the travel industry forward.
Thirty startups, five from each of six regions – Asia Pacific, India, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, United States/Canada and Latin America – competed Wednesday and Thursday in virtual events tailored to each time zone.
Separate panels of judges for each region selected three startups from each region to move on to the semifinal round, which will take place in a virtual format August 25.
Startups advancing to the next round are:
Asia Pacific: Worklounge, Trambellir, Jiang You Just Trip
From this group of 18, six finalists will be selected to compete in person in the Grand Finals during WiT Singapore, October 3 to 5.
The winner of the Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch will have the opportunity to present during The Phocuswright Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, in November.
“Entrepreneurs thrive during times of crisis, and tomorrow’s travel tech leaders are incubating products and solutions today during this challenging time,” says Pete Comeau, managing director at Phocuswright.
“Phocuswright is thrilled to partner with WiT to uncover the most promising pre-funded, early stage companies who are poised to lead our industry through the recovery and beyond, helping us emerge as a stronger, bolder and better industry.”
Says Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder of WiT, “It is time to unite around innovation, which will underpin a stronger and better travel recovery.”
At the close of the first day of competition on Wednesday, Comeau led a discussion with Laura Houldsworth, managing director Asia Pacific at Booking.com, and Ronnie Varghese, vice president of digital product at Seera Group, about the travel startup landscape and future outlook.
Watch the full discussion below.
Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch: Post Game Wrap Up
