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US: OpenAI has acquired Odessia, the AI travel startup founded by former Sonder CEO Francis Davidson, who will join the company to work on the future of travel.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Odessia’s service has been closed as part of the transition, suggesting the deal was focused on its team and technology rather than continuing the platform as a standalone business.
Launched in 2026, Odessia used AI agents to plan and book flights, accommodation and other elements of a trip through a conversational interface.
Davidson said tens of thousands of early users had used the platform over the summer, with more than $60 million in annualised travel planned through the service. The startup raised $6 million in funding led by Sequoia Capital before the acquisition.
Davidson said: “I’m thrilled to announce that Odessia was acquired by OpenAI, and that I will be joining the team to focus on the future of travel.”
An OpenAI spokesperson confirmed Davidson’s appointment but did not announce any new travel-specific products or explain how Odessia’s technology would be integrated.
The acquisition brings an executive with extensive accommodation experience into OpenAI. Davidson co-founded Sonder in 2014 and led the short-term rental and hospitality company until stepping down as CEO in 2025.
Sonder later entered bankruptcy after the termination of its licensing agreement with Marriott International. Its brand and digital assets were subsequently acquired by TravelAI in 2026.
OpenAI already works with travel companies including Booking.com, Expedia and KAYAK, while trip planning is among the use cases promoted for its AI agents.
Highlights
- OpenAI has acquired AI travel planning and booking startup Odessia.
- Founder and former Sonder CEO Francis Davidson will join OpenAI.
- Odessia’s consumer service has closed following the acquisition.
- The startup previously raised $6 million in funding led by Sequoia Capital.
- OpenAI has not announced how Odessia’s technology will be used.
