Legends Rises: How a Travel Tech Startup Became a Powerhouse of AI-Driven Personalization

From pitching on the global stage to shaping the future of travel, Legends has made a remarkable leap from startup to industry force since clinching the top spot at the Web in Travel (WiT) and Phocuswright Global Startup Pitch competition.

Founded with a vision to revolutionize the travel industry, Legends harnesses artificial intelligence and consent-based data to deliver hyper-personalized experiences. By turning a traveler’s digital footprint into actionable, real-time insights, Legends enables brands to boost engagement, drive conversion, and build long-term loyalty — all while maintaining robust privacy compliance.

At the heart of this innovation is LegendsDNA™, the company’s proprietary behavioral intelligence and matching engine. The platform translates fragmented data from photos, calendars, and social media into a cohesive profile of traveler preferences, allowing brands to tailor every touchpoint, from digital interactions to real-world experiences.

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Stephanie Daniel, CEO and co-founder, says the WiT award was more than just a win — it was a catalyst.
“Being recognized early by industry leaders gave us immediate credibility,” she said. “It opened doors to critical conversations, brought in investors and advisors, and shaped our growth trajectory.”

Since that breakthrough moment, Legends has pivoted from a consumer-facing model to a B2B strategy, helping brands make sense of first- and zero-party data. The company now offers tools like data enrichment, predictive audience creation, and intelligent content matching — capabilities that are proving essential as brands shift toward AI-powered personalization.

“Today’s digital landscape is moving from search to discovery, but that journey is complicated by data silos and strict privacy regulations,” Daniel explained. “Legends bridges that gap by future-proofing personalization strategies — enabling brands to act on data with precision, relevance, and respect for privacy.”

Legends’ momentum is reflected in a string of recent accolades. It completed the prestigious Techstars program, was a finalist in Skift IDEAS in both 2023 and 2024, named a Phocuswright Hot25 Startup for 2024, selected as an Amadeus Startup to Watch, and most recently, received an NYC Tech Award in 2025.

WiT co-founder Siew Hoon Yeoh highlighted Legends as a prime example of innovation done right.
“Legends embodies what we look for — vision, execution, and real impact. Their growth story shows how a startup can influence the entire travel tech space.”

Looking forward, Legends is doubling down on strategic B2B partnerships across sectors such as hotels, OTAs, loyalty programs, and e-commerce. The company aims to continue refining its tech and expanding its footprint while delivering next-level value to both brands and travelers.

“Startups like Legends prove that when innovation meets the right platform, the impact is limitless,” Daniel added. “Recognition is just the beginning — the real power comes through the partnerships and opportunities it unlocks.”

The Phocuswright and WiT Global Startup Pitch continues to be a launchpad for rising stars in travel tech, and Legends stands as a shining example of what’s possible when bold ideas meet industry validation.

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Staff Report
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