OpenAI Acquires AI Travel Startup Odessia

OpenAI acquired Odessia, an AI travel agent startup founded by former Sonder co-founder Francis Davidson. Davidson announced the deal on Tuesday, confirming he will join the company to focus on the future of travel.

Launched in June with $6 million in seed funding led by Sequoia Capital, Odessia operated a San Francisco-based team of eight. The startup opened to the public on October 14 as a free text-based concierge capable of planning and booking flights, hotels, and itineraries. Because of its IATA accreditation, the service provided users with private hotel rates and perks.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. It is currently unclear if Odessia will continue to operate as a standalone company or be fully integrated into OpenAI's existing services.