OpenAI hires Sonder founder after buying Odessia AI travel startup
OpenAI has taken over Odessia, the AI travel agent founded by Sonder’s Francis Davidson, who now joins the lab to shape its travel ambitions.
OpenAI has acquired the AI‑powered travel agent Odessia, and its founder Francis Davidson announced that he is now working for the lab to help define its future travel offerings, TechCrunch reported.
What did OpenAI acquire and who is leading it?
OpenAI bought Odessia, an AI travel‑booking platform, and the deal brings its creator Francis Davidson on board, according to Davidson’s post.
How was Odessia funded and what happened to its service?
Odessia, a year‑old startup, raised a $6 million pre‑seed round led by Sequoia and launched its agent about five months ago; it helped early adopters plan millions of dollars in travel before the tool was shut down, TechCrunch said.
What is Francis Davidson’s background in the travel industry?
Davidson founded the rental‑apartment service Sonder in 2014, grew it into a unicorn with $143 million in revenue, saw it falter after a failed Marriott partnership, and after Sonder’s bankruptcy the brand was sold to TravelAI in 2026, TechCrunch noted.
This report is based on original reporting by TechCrunch. Read the original source →
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