Ronan Daniel

🚗 Curb has launched Curb Flow in London to integrate ride requests from sources like Uber into one interface, benefiting licensed cab drivers. Drivers can choose demand sources without penalties, operating commission-free to keep full fares. Since starting in 2023, Curb's North American booking volume has quadrupled, with earnings increases up to 40% in cities like New York and Chicago. This platform aims to improve efficiency amid challenges like congestion and rising costs.

🛫 Gateretail and JK Tech are enhancing AI-powered inflight retail intelligence for airlines, starting with UK and Europe carriers. Gateretail supplies onboard retail to 1.2 million flights and over 180 million passengers annually. The new suite, powered by JIVA Agentic AI, integrates demand forecasting, pricing recommendations, and supplier automation. This aims to improve decision-making speed and accuracy, boost commercial performance, and maximize ancillary revenue while minimizing inventory costs and waste.

💻 Apaleo launched Apaleo Copilot, an AI-driven assistant in its property management system, designed for independent hotels and groups. It supports tasks like room assignments and overbooking resolutions through natural language requests. Only 2.9% of travel employees have AI skills, versus 21% in tech. Apaleo serves over 2,000 properties in 30+ countries, with clients like citizenM and easyHotel. They won the Phocuswright 2025 EMEA Travel Innovation Award for their modular strategy.

🗺️ Voyagier has launched a travel planning platform integrating discovery, personalization, and booking. It features four key components: Verified Discovery, Personalized Intelligence, Agentic Booking, and Embedded Expertise. Built on Sabre Mosaic, with integrations to Viator and Stripe, it supports autonomous booking and advisor input for complex plans. Open for use, it offers tiered memberships, including free access. Influencers like Jenny Cipoletti are collaborating. Daniel Gardner, CEO, emphasizes action over ideas, aiming for seamless travel experiences.

💻 Lobby raises USD 2.2 million from Founderful to enhance its AI platform for automating group bookings beyond hospitality. The investment includes Pascal Mathis joining the board. The AI processes group requests in 30 seconds, understanding over 100 languages. It integrates with Gmail, Outlook, and hotel systems. Lobby, founded in 2025, targets MICE, transport, and cruise sectors. Technical integrations take four days, onboarding two days, offering full or human-assisted automation.

🚀 $6 million raised; spring 2024; San Francisco. Navi AI, founded in 2024, launches its AI platform for flight training. Analyzing over 100,000 hours of flight data, it deploys in aviation training centers this spring. The system provides detailed post-flight debriefs with 40-50 key takeaways, integrating with Garmin avionics. Funding includes $1.5 million (April 2024), $3.35 million (March 2026), and a $1.27 million SBIR grant. Currently, it operates at Sling Pilot Academy and several universities.