OPENAI
An expensive change of scenery
OpenAI has acquired Odessia, an AI travel startup founded by Francis Davidson, who is joining the company to work on the future of travel.
Odessia developed an AI assistant that helped users plan and book trips, but the service has now shut down.
The financial details of the deal haven't been disclosed.
Here's what's happening:
Davidson will bring his experience in travel technology to OpenAI.
Odessia helped early users plan millions of dollars' worth of trips before shutting down.
OpenAI has yet to reveal how the acquisition will shape its travel services.
Paradise, pending further announcements
Odessia raised $6 million in funding led by Sequoia Capital and launched its travel assistant earlier this year.
Davidson also founded Sonder, a short-term rental company that grew into a billion-dollar business before going bankrupt in 2025.
OpenAI hasn't announced any new travel products, although it already works with companies including Booking.com, Expedia and KAYAK.
ChatGPT is about to get a lot better at travel itineraries. -MV