Meili
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
CEO: Mike McGearty
Website: Meili
Founding date: 2021
Investment: €22.4M
Meili builds technology that enables ancillaries such as car rental to integrate directly with airlines and travel brands. With just two lines of code, Meili’s cloud-based platform integrates seamlessly into web and mobile applications, enabling travelers to book third-party ancillary products directly with their trusted airline or travel brands. Founded in 2021 by industry leaders, Meili reimagines ancillary distribution by addressing the unique challenges of global distribution, reconnecting companies with airline partners to drive revenue and enhance the traveler journey.
PhocusWire coverage
Below, we asked Meili to share strategic goals for 2026 and what has been learned since founding.
Strategic goals for 2026
Our focus in 2026 is on scale and innovation. We want to continue driving significant volume through our platform and strengthen our position as the leading innovative technology partner for airlines and travel brands. We now know direct model creates more value for travelers and partners alike, and our goal is to keep pushing that forward until it becomes the standard across the industry.
Lessons learned since founding
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the power of building the right team around you. Between us, we brought decades of travel industry experience, but it’s the strength of the people we’ve trusted and brought into the business that has enabled us to grow at pace. We’ve also learned how critical domain knowledge is, it can’t be matched, and when combined with the right application of AI, it creates a real competitive advantage. Finally, we’ve seen the importance of leaning on your network; when you work with people you trust, you can go much further, much faster.
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026
See the full list of companies poised to make a mark on the industry in 2026.