A Year After Sonder’s Collapse, Francis Davidson Sells His AI Travel Startup to OpenAI

AI Summary

OpenAI acquired Odessia, an AI travel startup founded by Francis Davidson, primarily for its team and its working AI travel agent rather than its revenue. The acquisition signals OpenAI’s interest in expanding ChatGPT’s role in travel beyond directing users to booking platforms.

OpenAI didn't acquire Odessia for its revenue. It bought a team that built a working AI travel agent in months, plus a founder who ran a lodging company, which included hotels and short-term rentals, for a decade. It's a sign ChatGPT wants to do more in travel than send users to Booking.com and Expedia.