Skift Take
Steve Singh is continuing to build and fund an ecosystem that he hopes will bring about a more high-tech experience for the next generation of business travel. Otto will have to work out the rough edges of other AI trip planners to date.
Steve Singh and a group of industry veterans are rolling out a new AI trip planner and booking agent for business travel.
It’s called Otto, and the startup shared its plans on Thursday along with news of a $6 million seed round.
The founder and CEO is Michael Gulmann, former senior vice president of consumer products for Expedia Group, and also the former chief product officer and head of marketing for Egencia.
Madrona Ventures led the round, with support from Direct Travel and a star lineup of travel industry veterans.
Singh, managing partner for Madrona, led the investment from the firm and is the executive chairman of Otto.
The angel investors include:
Erik Blachford, former CEO of Expedia Barney Harford, former CEO of Orbitz and board member of United Airlines Hugh Crean, former CEO of Farecast, a Madrona-backed airfare predicti