OpenAI has acquired Odessia, an artificial intelligence travel agent startup founded by Francis Davidson, the co-founder of the lodging company Sonder. Davidson announced the acquisition on Tuesday and stated he will join OpenAI to focus on the future of travel. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Davidson launched Odessia in June with a team of eight people in San Francisco. The startup raised approximately $6 million in seed funding led by Sequoia Capital. The company opened its service to the public on October 14 as a free concierge that users access via text message.
Odessia’s Technology and Accreditation
Odessia plans and books flights, hotels, and itineraries through a single conversation. The startup holds IATA accreditation as a travel agent, which provides access to private hotel rates and perks such as free breakfast and room upgrades. The company also wrote guides to hundreds of thousands of hotels, ranking each property on factors ranging from street noise to gym availability.
Davidson unveiled Odessia just five months ago. He did not specify whether Odessia will continue to operate as a standalone company following the acquisition. In a post, Davidson wrote, “We’ll have more to share on the shape of the future soon.”
OpenAI’s Travel Strategy Shift
The acquisition signals a change in OpenAI’s approach to the travel sector. Previously, OpenAI relied on partnerships with established online travel agencies. Booking.com and Expedia were among the first applications integrated into ChatGPT when OpenAI launched its app platform in October 2025. OpenAI has also been working to build travel advertising and booking directly into ChatGPT so users can make purchases without visiting a merchant’s website.
OpenAI did not acquire Odessia for its revenue. Instead, the company purchased a team that built a working AI travel agent in months, along with a founder who ran a lodging company for a decade. This includes experience with both hotels and short-term rentals.
Davidson said he will join OpenAI “to focus on the future of travel.” He did not elaborate on his specific role or the timeline for new product announcements.
Source: Skift
