Radar · Travel and Hospitality in California
Best Travel and Hospitality Companies in California, United States
The 737 best Travel and Hospitality companies in California, United States in 2026, ranked by funding and momentum. Funding, investors, founders, valuation, tech stack and live signals. Top: VMO Air.
By Riya SenguptaFinancials
737companies tracked
$2.7Bdisclosed funding
0unicorns
68have raised
Ranked: Best Travel and Hospitality companies in California
| # | Company | Disclosed funding | Last round | Stage | Employees | Founder | Tech stack | Recent signals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VMO Air Provider of aircraft leasing services | $600M | 54 mo ago | Funding Raised | 34 | Sean Sullivan CEO | — | — |
| 2 | VTA Operator of buses 29Funding top 31%Product top 33%Growth top 35%Tech top 49% All 9 signals ▾Fundingtop 31% Producttop 33% Growthtop 35% Techtop 49% Moatbottom 42% Globalbottom 33% Patentsbottom 29% Innovationbottom 26% Marketbottom 23% Funding: Raised $357M across 18 rounds · 18 rounds over 18 yrs (1.0/yr) Product: 7 distinct product lines · 1 published app (1.8k installs) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 29/100 | $357M | 14 mo ago | Acquired | 2 | — | DrupalApple iCloud MailPHP+23 | 1 job opening |
| 3 | Aviation Capital Group Provides asset management services for aviation industry 57Funding top 20%Partners top 26%Tech top 32%News top 32% All 7 signals ▾Fundingtop 20% Partnerstop 26% Techtop 32% Newstop 32% Growthtop 38% Marketbottom 40% Globalbottom 39% Funding: Raised $200M across 13 rounds · 13 rounds over 9 yrs (1.4/yr) Partners: 0 partnership announcements in 12 mo (1 in 24 mo) · 8 contract events in 12 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 57/100 | $200M | 14 mo ago | Acquired | 93 93 → 180 (+94%) | — | WordPressMySQLPHP+31 | 1 expansion |
| 4 | Fantasy Springs Resort Operator of hotel | $179M | 111 mo ago | Funding Raised | 239 | Paul Ryan CEO | Amazon WebstoreWordPressMySQL+36 | — |
| 5 | Sacrt Operator of public transportation services including bus, light rail, and paratransit 78Customers top 26%Tech top 32%Funding top 34%Growth top 35% All 7 signals ▾Customerstop 26% Techtop 32% Fundingtop 34% Growthtop 35% Markettop 39% Productbottom 41% Globalbottom 33% Customers: Play-Store rating 4.66★ across 1,394 ratings (2 apps) Tech: 40 technologies across 4/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 78/100 | $171M | 11 mo ago | Funding Raised | 371 | — | WordPressMySQLPHP+31 | — |
| 6 | Overair Provider of chartered flights services | $170M | 48 mo ago | Series B | 143 | Abe Karem Co-Founder | — | — |
| 7 | BBAM Aircraft leasing and financing | $165M | 104 mo ago | Late Stage | 70 | Steven Zissis CEO | WordPress Block EditorWordPressApple iCloud Mail+14 | — |
| 8 | Kasa Operator of business apartments | $120M | 9 mo ago | Series C | 400 | — | Apple iCloud MailGoogle WorkspaceSalesforce+21 | 9 job openings · 1 award |
| 9 | AutoCamp Owns and operates campsites | $115M | 88 mo ago | Series C | — | Chris Haydon Co-Founder and Board Advisor | WordPressZohoSalesforce+39 | 4 partnerships |
| 10 | HABITAS Provider of hotel booking and tour organizing services | $85M | 43 mo ago | Series C | 377 | Oliver Ripley Co-Founder & CEO | WordPressMySQLPHP+32 | — |
| 11 | The Autry Operator of museums and exhibitions | $80M | 52 mo ago | Series C | 183 183 → 163 (-11%) | Gene Autry Co-Founder | DrupalPHPVarnish+18 | — |
| 12 | Lucky Strike Entertainment Operator of theme & amusement park | $80M | 118 mo ago | Acquired | 455 | — | ContentfulSentryNode.js+29 | — |
| 13 | West Harbor Operator of amusement park | $65M | 50 mo ago | Series C | 1 | — | SanityNode.jsGoogle Maps+15 | — |
| 14 | Passport Resorts Provider of hotel management, digital marketing, and related consulting services | $60M | 81 mo ago | Funding Raised | — | Michael Freed Co-Founder & Managing Director | — | — |
| 15 | Flylax Provider of official airport parking solutions at los angeles international airports | $58M | 179 mo ago | Funding Raised | 2 | — | DrupalPHPVarnish+22 | — |
| 16 | Traffic Management Traffic control and work zone safety solutions provider nationwide | $45M | 22 mo ago | Series C | 1,083 | — | Apple iCloud MailVercelAstro+13 | — |
| 17 | WebVisible Targeted local advertising campaigns | $37M | 196 mo ago | Series C | 33 | Kirsten Mangers Ex-Founder | — | — |
| 18 | County Connection Operator of fixed-route and paratransit bus services for public transportation 55Innovation top 30%Growth top 35%Tech top 46%Funding top 49% All 7 signals ▾Innovationtop 30% Growthtop 35% Techtop 46% Fundingtop 49% Productbottom 48% Globalbottom 33% Marketbottom 32% Innovation: 3 product lines Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 55/100 | $23M | 9 mo ago | Funding Raised | 46 | — | WordPressMySQLPHP+25 | — |
| 19 | Keypr Provider of a unified guest experience platform for the hospitality sector | $20M | 107 mo ago | Acquired | 60 | — | PythonUIKitDjango+5 | — |
| 20 | Volato Operator of chartered flights | $16M | 18 mo ago | Public | 155 | Matt Liotta Chief Executive Officer | WordPressApple iCloud MailMicrosoft 365+24 | — |
| 21 | Caltrain Operator of a commuter rail service offering transportation schedules and routes | $16M | 189 mo ago | Funding Raised | 181 | Jim Hartnett CEO | DrupalMariaDBPHP+25 | — |
| 22 | Wag Hotels Provider of pet-boarding facilities designed to offer personalised pet care | $13M | 131 mo ago | Series A | 165 165 → 288 (+75%) | — | PythonDjangoReact+23 | — |
| 23 | Westside Museum Operator of museum and photo gallery | $11M | 45 mo ago | Series B | — | Clayton Peterson Founder | — | — |
| 24 | Panhwar Jet Operator of chartered flights | $10M | 15 mo ago | Series A | 7 | Ayisha Panhwar Co-Founder & Chairwoman | BootstrapGoogle Font APISlick+4 | — |
| 25 | Volley Automation Designs parking technology and infrastructure | $8M | 57 mo ago | Series A | 27 | — | — | 2 expansions |
| 26 | K1Speed Operator of indoor karting | $7M | 27 mo ago | Seed | 311 | Susan Danglard Co-Founder | Cart FunctionalityWordPressSentry+34 | 3 expansions |
| 27 | The Sandman Operator of hotels | $5M | 49 mo ago | Series A | — | Patrick McGinley Owner | ProcessWirePHPUIKit+16 | — |
| 28 | Sender One Climbing Provider of fitness classes | $5M | 89 mo ago | Seed | 23 | Wesley Chu Co-Founder & CEO | WordPressApple iCloud MailGoogle Workspace+26 | 2 job openings · 1 expansion |
| 29 | On Approval Operator of museum | $4M | 48 mo ago | Series A | — | Andrew Mcclintock Co-Founder and CEO | — | — |
| 30 | Stanrta Operator of public transportation services, including bus routes and schedules | $4M | 10 mo ago | Funding Raised | — | Adam B CEO | Froala EditorWindows ServerMicrosoft ASP.NET+17 | — |
| 31 | iTherX Tour and travel service company | $3M | 176 mo ago | Deadpooled | — | Jeffrey McKelvy CEO & President | — | — |
| 32 | Win-River Resort & Casino Operator of standalone hotel and resort | $2M | 181 mo ago | Funding Raised | 77 | — | WordPressMySQLPHP+26 | — |
| 33 | The Saguaro Hotel Operator of hotels | $2M | 122 mo ago | Funding Raised | 25 | — | WordPressSentryMySQL+34 | — |
| 34 | WingTips Regional air mobility company providing shared charter and private charter services, revolutionizing… | $1M | 62 mo ago | Seed | 7 | Mike A Founder & CEO | — | — |
| 35 | MOPA Provider of resources and support for performing arts organizations and individuals | $755K | 180 mo ago | Funding Raised | 57 | — | WordPressMySQLPHP+32 | — |
| 36 | kraftwerk Provider of products and services for oil and gas transportation | $689K | 48 mo ago | Funding Raised | 22 | — | — | — |
| 37 | The Walt Disney Company Media and entertainment conglomerate | $579K | 59 mo ago | Public | 225,000 | Robert Iger CEO | WordPress Site EditorWordPressMySQL+18 | — |
| 38 | WOW Explorations Full-service family entertainment center | $540K | 75 mo ago | Seed | 3 | Donna Meir Founder & CEO | — | — |
| 39 | Hornblower Group Global leader in experiences and transportation, providing unmatched maritime industry expertise | $394K | 189 mo ago | Acquired | 5,000 | Kevin Rabbitt CEO | WordPressMySQLPHP+32 | 1 award |
| 40 | DineUp Provider of onboard dining experiences for air travellers | $371K | 41 mo ago | Seed | — | Aaron Colodne Co-Founder | — | — |
| 41 | Virtual Tours Provider of tour services | $350K | 48 mo ago | Seed | — | Samuel Sackett CEO | — | — |
| 42 | Proper Hospitality Operator of standalone hotel | $333K | 21 mo ago | Seed | 368 368 → 468 (+27%) | — | WordPressMySQLPHP+39 | 1 job opening · 1 partnership · 5 awards |
| 43 | Loco Ropes Operator of an outdoor recreational facility | $300K | 200 mo ago | Seed | — | Judy Cox Founder & Executive Manager | — | — |
| 44 | Luxury Travel Hackers Operator of cultural and educational trips | $256K | 53 mo ago | Seed | 8 | Gary Kohn Founder | Cart FunctionalityWordPressMySQL+33 | — |
| 45 | VAWAA Online booking platform offering multi-category artform for live sessions | $250K | 62 mo ago | Seed | 9 | Geetika Agrawal Founder & CEO | Node.jsGoogle MapsVideoJS+24 | 2 job openings |
| 46 | 18th Street Provider of artist residencies, exhibitions, and community engagement programs | $170K | 174 mo ago | Funding Raised | 34 | — | WordPressApple iCloud MailGoogle Workspace+25 | — |
| 47 | TripOutside Operator of hiking and outdoor adventures | $100K | 62 mo ago | Seed | — | Julie Singh Co-Founder | WordPressMySQLPHP+23 | — |
Top 12 Travel and Hospitality companies in California
#1
Funding Raised · Sacramento, California · founded 1997 · 371 employees$171.3Mraised▾
Funding Raised · Sacramento, California · founded 1997 · 371 employees
Operator of public transportation services including bus, light rail, and paratransit. The organization provides various transit options, such as fixed-route bus and light rail. It also offers specialized transportation for individuals with disabilities. The entity focuses on delivering accessible and reliable mobility solutions. It supports regional connectivity through diverse service offerings and ongoing infrastructure projects.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 78how this company ranks against its industry peers
Customers
top 26%Tech
top 32%Funding
top 34%Growth
top 35%Market
top 39%Product
bottom 41%Customers: Play-Store rating 4.66★ across 1,394 ratings (2 apps)
Tech: 40 technologies across 4/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare · Security: Cloudflare Bot Management, Hsts
Funding: Raised $171M across 25 rounds · 25 rounds over 18 yrs (1.4/yr) · Last round Grant (prize money) (Jun 2025)
Audience (LinkedIn): 3k LinkedIn followers
Funding rounds
- Jun 2025Grant (prize money)$39.7M
- May 2025Grant (prize money)$17.2M
- Mar 2025Grant (prize money)$1.5M
- Jun 2012Grant (prize money)$3.6M
Investors
U.S. Department of Transportation, FEMA
Tech stack
Alpine.JsAngularBootstrapCdnjsCloudflareCloudflare Bot Management
#2
Series C · San Francisco, California · founded 2016 · 400 employees$120Mraised▾
Series C · San Francisco, California · founded 2016 · 400 employees
Kasa is an operator of apartments for business travelers. Travelers can search for high quality, comfortable & spacious apartments via the platform & can book by making an online payment. Their services include keyless entry, digital check-in, smart TV, fully equipped kitchen & more.
LinkedIn Pulse recent public activity · Jul 2026
Audience: 29k LinkedIn followers — 13.5% of this cohort's audience
Hiring: 9 hiring posts in 12 mo (public) · momentum +9 · hiring: Property Operations Lead, Property Operations Associate
Activity: 1 awards announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Aug 2025Series C$40M
- Oct 2023Series C$70M
- Oct 2020Series B$30M
- 2019Series A$20M
Investors
Citi Ventures, FirstMark, New York Life Ventures, RET Ventures, Zigg Capital, Ribbit Capital
Tech stack
Amazon CloudfrontAmazon Web ServicesApple Icloud MailBootstrapCloudflareCloudflare Bot Management
#3
Acquired · San Jose, California · founded 1995 · 2 employees$357.3Mraised▾
Acquired · San Jose, California · founded 1995 · 2 employees
Operator of buses
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 29how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 31%Product
top 33%Growth
top 35%Tech
top 49%Moat
bottom 42%Global
bottom 33%Funding: Raised $357M across 18 rounds · 18 rounds over 18 yrs (1.0/yr) · Last round Grant (prize money) (Mar 2025)
Product: 7 distinct product lines · 1 published app (1.8k installs) · Company stage: Acquired
Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Audience (LinkedIn): 13k LinkedIn followers — 6.2% of this cohort's audience
Hiring (LinkedIn): 1 hiring post in 12 mo (public) · hiring: Transportation Planner III
Funding rounds
- Mar 2025Grant (prize money)$664K
- Feb 2025Grant (prize money)$9M
- May 2015Grant (prize money)$2M
- Mar 2012Grant (prize money)$100M
Investors
U.S. Department of Transportation, FEMA
Tech stack
Acquia Cloud PlatformAddtoanyAmazon Web ServicesAngular MaterialAngularjsApple Icloud Mail
#4
Acquired · Newport Beach, California · founded 1989 · 93 employees$200Mraised▾
Acquired · Newport Beach, California · founded 1989 · 93 employees
Aviation Capital Group (ACG) provides asset management services for the aviation industry. It offers Fleet Strategy Solutions to the aviation industry. Additionally, it operates leases and provides advisories to the airline industry. It claims to have managed the fleet of 465 owned commercial jet aircraft leased to approximately 95 airlines in 45 countries.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 57how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 20%Partners
top 26%Tech
top 32%News
top 32%Growth
top 38%Market
bottom 40%Funding: Raised $200M across 13 rounds · 13 rounds over 9 yrs (1.4/yr) · Last round Conventional Debt (Mar 2025)
Partners: 0 partnership announcements in 12 mo (1 in 24 mo) · 8 contract events in 12 mo · Named contractor/client in 8 deals
Tech: 38 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Azure, Cloudflare · Devops: Nginx
Audience (LinkedIn): 27k LinkedIn followers — 12.7% of this cohort's audience
Activity (LinkedIn): 1 expansions announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Mar 2025Conventional Debt$800M
- Oct 2024Conventional Debt$1B
- Jun 2024Conventional Debt$600M
- Jun 2023Conventional Debt$500M
Investors
Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Credit Agricole, Societe Generale, BNP Paribas, Commerzbank, Caixa Bank
Tech stack
Animate.CssAzureCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementComplianzContact Form 7
#5
Funding Raised · Concord, California · founded 2003 · 46 employees$23Mraised▾
Funding Raised · Concord, California · founded 2003 · 46 employees
Operator of fixed-route and paratransit bus services for public transportation. It offers various fare options, including single rides, day passes, and monthly passes. The company provides real-time bus tracking, trip planning tools, and information on accessibility. It also manages service alerts and lost and found services.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 55how this company ranks against its industry peers
Innovation
top 30%Growth
top 35%Tech
top 46%Funding
top 49%Product
bottom 48%Global
bottom 33%Innovation: 3 product lines
Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Tech: 29 technologies across 4/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare · Devops: Nginx
Audience (LinkedIn): 388 LinkedIn followers
Funding rounds
- Aug 2025Grant (prize money)$5.7M
- Jun 2012Grant (prize money)$780K
- Sep 2011Grant (prize money)$7M
- Aug 2010Grant (prize money)$1.1M
Investors
U.S. Department of Transportation
Tech stack
BootstrapCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementCore-JsDojoFacebook Pixel
#6
Funding Raised · Modesto, California · founded 2021$3.7Mraised▾
Funding Raised · Modesto, California · founded 2021
Operator of public transportation services, including bus routes and schedules. The entity provides information on system operations, rider tools, and demand response options. It offers resources such as trip planners, fare details, and route information. The organization also shares news and updates through various channels.
Funding rounds
- Aug 2025Grant (prize money)$571.2K
- Jun 2025Grant (prize money)$766.4K
- Apr 2025Grant (prize money)$2.4M
Founders & team
Investors
U.S. Department of Transportation
Tech stack
Alpine.JsAppnexusAzureAzure MonitorFont AwesomeFroala Editor
#7
Series A · Newport Beach, California · founded 2021 · 7 employees$10Mraised▾
Series A · Newport Beach, California · founded 2021 · 7 employees
Operator of chartered flights. The company is developing the world’s first all-electric long-range aircraft designed to serve passengers, cargo, and medical supply transport needs. Their mission centers on revolutionizing aviation and logistics through the use of cutting-edge, AI-driven, electric propulsion technology.
Funding rounds
- Feb 2025Series A$4.4M
- Dec 2022Series A$827.4K
- Aug 2021Series A$10M
Founders & team
Investors
Valkyrie Group
#8
Public · Carlsbad, California · founded 2021 · 155 employees$16.4Mraised▾
Public · Carlsbad, California · founded 2021 · 155 employees
Operator of chartered flights
LinkedIn Pulse recent public activity · Jul 2026
Audience: 8k LinkedIn followers — 3.6% of this cohort's audience
Funding rounds
- Dec 2024Post IPO$4.5M
- Mar 2023Conventional Debt—
- Mar 2023Post IPO$16.4M
- Jun 2022Conventional Debt$3.2M
Founders & team
Investors
PROOF, Reform Ventures
Tech stack
Amazon Web ServicesApache Http ServerApple Icloud MailBeaver BuilderBootstrapCloudflare
#9
Series C · Long Beach, California · founded 1994 · 1083 employees$45Mraised▾
Series C · Long Beach, California · founded 1994 · 1083 employees
Traffic control and work zone safety solutions provider nationwide. They deliver comprehensive traffic control, tailored engineered traffic plans, high-quality product rentals and sales, and exceptional customer service. They offer services such as traffic control equipment rentals, engineering, infrastructure permits, custom signs, and certified flagger programs. Their focus is on keeping the public and workers safe through meticulous planning and cutting-edge technology. They provide traffic delineation, signs, hardware, pavement marking, paint, and protective wear. They are a certified MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) committed to supporting infrastructure growth and public safety. They offer job opportunities and career growth in the traffic management industry.
LinkedIn Pulse recent public activity · Jul 2026
Audience: 9k LinkedIn followers — 4.2% of this cohort's audience
Funding rounds
- Aug 2024Series C$45M
Tech stack
Apple Icloud MailApple Sign-InAstroCallrailCloudflareCloudflare Browser Insights
#10
Funding Raised · San Francisco, California · founded 2021 · 34 employees$600Mraised▾
Funding Raised · San Francisco, California · founded 2021 · 34 employees
Provider of aircraft leasing services
Funding rounds
- Dec 2021Conventional Debt$600M
Founders & team
Investors
UBS, Natixis, Wells Fargo, MUFG, Credit Agricole, Ares Management
#11
Series B · Fountain Valley, California · founded 2019 · 143 employees$170Mraised▾
Series B · Fountain Valley, California · founded 2019 · 143 employees
Provider of chartered flights services
Funding rounds
- Jun 2022Series B$145M
- 2019Series A$25M
Founders & team
Investors
Hanwha, Hanwha Aerospace
#12
Series C · California City, California · founded 2014 · 377 employees$85Mraised▾
Series C · California City, California · founded 2014 · 377 employees
Provider of hotel booking and tour organizing services
Funding rounds
- Oct 2022Series C$50M
- Oct 2019Angel$20M
Founders & team
Investors
Public Investment Fund, Abercrombie & Kent, Soma Capital, Unicorn Ventures, Heritage
Tech stack
Amazon SesAmazon Web ServicesBarba.JsCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementCore-Js
Funding & investor landscape
$2.7Btotal disclosed funding
63companies funded
171disclosed rounds
0rounds last 90 days
Most active investors
Notable founders
Adam B
CEO · Stanrta
Ayisha Panhwar
Co-Founder & Chairwoman · Panhwar Jet
Nick Panhwar
Co-Founder · Panhwar Jet
Matt Liotta
Chief Executive Officer · Volato
Sean Sullivan
CEO · VMO Air
Abe Karem
Co-Founder · Overair
Ben Tigner
Chief Executive Officer · Overair
Oliver Ripley
Co-Founder & CEO · HABITAS
Gene Autry
Co-Founder · The Autry
Monte Hale
Co-Founder · The Autry
Susan Danglard
Co-Founder · K1Speed
Paul Ryan
CEO · Fantasy Springs Resort
Prism market signals · United States · country-scoped Prism corpus, 19,243,007 docs
Market landscape — 10 sub-themes by coverage
Share of Travel and Hospitality coverage by sub-theme.
Regulatory-risk over time rising
Funding & growth over time
funding rising · growth rising
Common questions
How many Travel and Hospitality companies are there in California, United States?
Radar tracks 737 indexable Travel and Hospitality companies headquartered in California, United States that meet our profile-completeness bar.
What is the total funding raised by Travel and Hospitality companies in California, United States?
The Travel and Hospitality companies in California, United States on this list have raised a combined $2.7B in disclosed equity funding across 63 funded companies.
Which is the highest-funded Travel and Hospitality company in California, United States?
VMO Air is the highest-funded Travel and Hospitality company in California, United States, with $600M in disclosed equity funding.
How many Travel and Hospitality companies in California, United States are funded?
63 of the 737 Travel and Hospitality companies in California, United States on this list have disclosed at least one equity funding round.
How many Travel and Hospitality unicorns are there in California, United States?
None of the Travel and Hospitality companies in California, United States on this list currently has a disclosed valuation of $1B or more.
Who are the top investors in California, United States Travel and Hospitality companies?
The most active investors in California, United States Travel and Hospitality companies on this list include U.S. Department of Transportation, National Endowment for the Arts, FEMA, Imls, USGS.
Riya SenguptaFinancials
Riya reads income statements for fun. She covers the real money in a sector — revenue, growth, who actually earns — and never met a vague claim she didn't want a number for.