According to ChainCatcher citing IT Home, OpenAI acquired AI travel agent startup Odessia, and founder Francis Davidson has joined OpenAI to help explore the company’s travel business. An OpenAI spokesperson confirmed the acquisition and welcomed Davidson, noting that he had founded several businesses focused on helping people travel.
Odessia was founded a year ago and raised $6 million in a pre-seed round led by Sequoia Capital. About five months ago, it launched an AI travel agent to help early users plan itineraries. OpenAI has not announced any new travel products or plans. Its partners in the sector include Booking.com, Expedia and KAYAK. The spokesperson said travel is among the topics users frequently ask ChatGPT about.
Davidson founded short-term luxury apartment rental company Sonder in 2014 while he was in college. The company operated in major cities worldwide.