Safara Secures Undisclosed Funding Round and Acquires Skipper, Bolstering Independent Hotel Technology Landscape

Boston, MA – June 9, 2026 – Safara, a burgeoning innovator in the hospitality technology sector, today announced the successful closure of an undisclosed funding round led by prominent venture capital firms Sequoia and Defy.vc. The company also revealed its strategic acquisition of Skipper, a specialized online booking engine catering to independent hotels. This dual announcement marks a significant milestone for Safara, bringing its total funding to $14 million and positioning it as a formidable force in empowering independent lodging establishments.

Doug Schuessler, a serial entrepreneur with a deep-seated passion for building companies since his childhood, is the driving force behind Safara. His entrepreneurial journey began with launching two startups before a stint at Square in San Francisco, where he sought to understand the operational dynamics of a "real rocket shop." His experience then led him to the role of Chief Revenue Officer at Resy, the acclaimed restaurant booking platform. It was after Resy’s acquisition by American Express that Schuessler found himself drawn to the intricacies of the hospitality technology industry, with a particular fascination for the hotel sector.

"Independent hotels really need the help," Schuessler stated in an interview with TechCrunch. He elaborated on the historical landscape of hotel ownership, noting that decades ago, the majority of hotels were independently owned. However, a trend of consolidation, with larger hotel chains acquiring smaller, independent properties, has intensified competition for the remaining independent operators. This observation fueled Schuessler’s conviction that there was a significant gap in the market for solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by these businesses.

Teaming up with co-founder Cody Rose, a former colleague from Resy, Schuessler embarked on a mission to address this market need. Together, they launched Safara, a comprehensive platform designed to offer customers access to a vast global inventory of hotels, encompassing both major chains and independent establishments. The platform’s curated list is a sophisticated blend of consumer data analytics and invaluable community-sourced recommendations, ensuring a diverse and reliable selection for travelers.

Further enhancing the consumer experience, Safara incorporates a rewarding loyalty program. This initiative offers cash back on bookings made through the platform, which can then be applied towards future travel. For independent hotels, the integration with Safara, particularly through the newly acquired Skipper technology, presents a compelling commission-free channel. While any hotel can technically integrate with the platform, the emphasis remains on providing a direct and beneficial alternative to traditional booking methods.

"Think of it as another direct channel alongside their website," Schuessler explained, drawing a parallel to how hotels manage their online presence. "We then connect these two products to elevate the guest experience by enabling direct web guests who book directly on the hotel’s site to manage that reservation in the Safara app." This integrated approach aims to streamline the booking and reservation management process for both the hotelier and the guest, fostering a more cohesive and personalized travel experience.

The acquisition of Skipper was a natural progression, facilitated by a mutual investor who recognized the synergistic potential between the two companies. Skipper’s established online booking engine, specifically designed for independent hotels, complements Safara’s broader vision of providing a unified ecosystem for hotel bookings and guest management. The co-founders of Skipper are set to join Safara, bringing their expertise and continuing to contribute to the company’s growth.

"We actually made a pass at the deal earlier in the year," Schuessler recalled, highlighting that the timing was not immediately opportune. However, the strategic alignment eventually materialized, leading to the successful integration. "Both companies have a much better chance at achieving the shared vision together than they do apart," he emphasized, underscoring the belief that combined strengths would lead to greater market impact.

Safara’s core strategy differentiates itself from competitors by offering a dual-pronged approach: robust software solutions for hotels and consumer-facing products that enhance the traveler’s journey. The company’s CEO elaborated on the future roadmap, stating, "The magic is going to come in 2025 when we connect these two products more deeply to create new experiences for both hotels and guests." This forward-looking perspective suggests a commitment to innovation and a drive to redefine guest engagement within the independent hotel sector.

The journey to securing this latest funding round involved strategic networking and building strong relationships with investors. Schuessler recounted meeting his investors through "warm introductions," a testament to the power of professional networks. Alfred Lin, a partner at Sequoia, was an early advocate for Safara’s vision. While Lin initially passed on an earlier investment opportunity, he expressed a sentiment that resonated deeply with Schuessler: "Maybe we can become partners in the future." This foresight proved accurate, with Lin now a key partner in Safara’s growth.

Schuessler’s introduction to Brian Rothenberg, a partner at Defy.vc, came through the AngelTrack network. Their connection was immediate and impactful. "He is extremely supportive through good and bad and we tend to see the world through a very similar lens," Schuessler remarked, illustrating the foundational trust and shared perspective that underpins their investor-founder relationship. This strong rapport with investors is crucial for navigating the dynamic startup landscape.

The newly acquired capital will be strategically deployed to accelerate product development and expand the reach of Safara’s platform, aiming to onboard a greater number of hotels. The company’s overarching mission for 2025 and beyond is clear: to equip independent hotels with technological capabilities and network advantages that rival those enjoyed by larger hotel chains.

"Our focus of 2025 and beyond is really to empower independent hotels with the same technology and network advantages as chain hotels," Schuessler articulated. He painted an optimistic picture of the potential outcomes, stating, "If we get this right, not only do we help these hotels succeed, but the types of experiences that will unlock for guests are things that frankly don’t exist right now. And if we accomplish both of those things, the sky is the limit for Safara as a company." This ambitious outlook underscores Safara’s commitment to not only business growth but also to fostering innovation that benefits both the hospitality industry and the traveling public. The integration of Skipper is expected to be a key catalyst in realizing these future experiences, further solidifying Safara’s position as a leader in the next generation of hospitality technology.