Bethany Reitsma from The Travel Tech Association on connecting startups with angels for initial funding

In this episode of the Everything AI in Travel podcast, Tony Carne sits down with Bethany Reitsma from the Travel Technology Association to explore the fast-changing world of travel tech startups, AI-native companies, angel investing, and the future of innovation in travel.

Bethany shares how the Travel Technology Association evolved from representing major industry players like Booking, Expedia, and TripAdvisor into building a growing startup ecosystem focused on helping founders get connected, get advice, and get funded.

They discuss:

• Why AI-native travel startups are emerging faster than ever

• The challenge of fundraising in travel tech today

• How angel investors are approaching AI and travel startups

• Why proprietary data and integrations matter more than ever

• The rise of hyper-personalized travel experiences

• How Travel Tech Association helps founders connect with investors

• The importance of founder communities and peer learning

• Emerging startups like Drifter AI and Pintours AI

• How AI is changing travel discovery and trip planning

• Why travel startups can now build more with less funding

Whether you’re building a travel startup, investing in travel technology, or simply trying to understand where AI is taking the industry next, this conversation offers a valuable inside look at one of the most important ecosystems shaping travel innovation.

Guest: Bethany Reitsma
Organization: Travel Technology Association

Start-Up Membership Program - Travel Tech Association.

Bethany has also shared a discount code for new startup members looking join: EVERYTHINGAI10%

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• ​Share it with someone in your network who manages properties or builds tools for them

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Hear the episode here.

In 2026 the podcast is now found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and now also YouTube (and if you hit subscribe there, you get it before everyone else). You can also catch up on the whole of Series 1 now also fully available in these channels.