OpenAI acquires Odessia, an AI travel startup founded by former Sonder CEO Francis Davidson. The deal brings the company’s founder into OpenAI to work on travel-related technology, while Odessia’s standalone service has been discontinued.
Davidson announced the acquisition Tuesday, Nov. 10. Financial terms were not disclosed, and OpenAI has not announced a new travel product connected to the purchase.
OpenAI Acquires Odessia After $6 Million Funding Round
Odessia launched in 2026 as an AI-powered travel assistant. It helped users research destinations, organize itineraries and book flights, hotels and experiences through automated agents.
The startup raised approximately $6 million in a funding round led by Sequoia Capital. Davidson said its technology helped early customers plan millions of dollars in travel.
However, the Odessia website now confirms that its service is unavailable following the acquisition. Existing customers can contact the company’s support team regarding bookings and travel plans.
The transaction appears focused on acquiring talent and technical expertise. OpenAI has not disclosed whether other Odessia employees are joining the company.
Francis Davidson Joins OpenAI’s Travel Efforts
Davidson previously founded Sonder in 2014 while studying at McGill University. The company provided furnished apartments and short-term accommodations in major cities.
Sonder expanded rapidly before encountering financial difficulties during the pandemic. In his June 2025 departure announcement, Davidson discussed the company’s growth, challenges and restructuring efforts.
Sonder later filed for bankruptcy after its partnership with Marriott ended in November 2025.
Davidson’s experience combines travel operations with AI-based booking systems. At OpenAI, he will focus on developing travel-industry technology.
What the Acquisition Means for ChatGPT Travel Planning
OpenAI has already explored travel planning through its AI agents. In July 2025, the company introduced a ChatGPT agent, demonstrating how an assistant could research websites and complete multistep tasks.
Travel is one potential application. AI agents can compare destinations, research accommodations and help organize booking information.
ChatGPT also supports external application integrations. TechAmerica previously explained how ChatGPT app integrations work, including connections that let users complete tasks through supported services.
OpenAI already works with travel companies, including Booking.com, Expedia and KAYAK. However, it has not explained how Odessia’s technology or Davidson’s expertise will fit into those partnerships.
The acquisition gives OpenAI additional experience in automated travel planning and reservations. Whether that leads to new ChatGPT booking capabilities remains unannounced.
