Safara Secures $14 Million in Funding and Acquires Skipper to Empower Independent Hotels

The entrepreneurial spirit has been a driving force in Doug Schuessler’s life since childhood, a passion that has led him through the dynamic world of tech startups, culminating in his latest venture, Safara. Schuessler, a seasoned founder with a track record of success, has officially announced Safara’s acquisition of Skipper, an online booking engine for independent hotels, and an undisclosed funding round led by Sequoia and Defy.vc, bringing the company’s total funding to $14 million. This strategic move positions Safara to significantly enhance its offerings and solidify its mission to equip independent hotels with the technological prowess and network advantages previously exclusive to major chains.

Schuessler’s journey in the startup ecosystem is a testament to his relentless pursuit of innovation. His early ventures laid the groundwork for his understanding of market needs and scalable business models. A pivotal moment in his career was his tenure at Square, a company he joined to gain firsthand experience within what he described as a "real rocket shop." This immersive experience provided invaluable insights into building and scaling high-growth technology companies. Following his time at Square, Schuessler took on the role of Chief Revenue Officer at Resy, the popular restaurant booking platform. His leadership there was instrumental in the company’s growth and eventual acquisition by American Express.

The sale of Resy to Amex marked a turning point for Schuessler. It was during this period that he delved deeper into the hospitality technology industry, a sector that quickly captivated his attention. "Independent hotels really need the help," Schuessler stated in an interview with TechCrunch, highlighting a significant gap he observed in the market. He elaborated on the historical landscape of the hotel industry, noting that decades ago, independent ownership dominated the sector. However, the increasing trend of hotel chains acquiring smaller, independent properties has intensified competition for those that remain. This consolidation has created an environment where independent hotels, despite their unique charm and character, often struggle to compete with the technological infrastructure and marketing reach of larger brands.

Recognizing this pressing need, Schuessler, alongside his co-founder Cody Rose – who also boasts a history at Resy – embarked on the creation of Safara. The platform is designed to be a comprehensive booking solution, enabling customers to reserve accommodations at virtually any hotel worldwide, encompassing both major chains and independent establishments. Safara’s curated list of hotels is built upon a dual foundation of consumer data analysis and community-driven recommendations, ensuring a diverse and reliable selection for travelers. Complementing its booking functionality, Safara offers a rewarding loyalty program that provides users with cash back on bookings, which can then be applied towards future travel expenses.

A key component of Safara’s strategy, further bolstered by the acquisition of Skipper, is its commitment to supporting independent hotels. Independent hotels that integrate with Skipper can now access the platform commission-free. While the platform is technically open to all hotels, this commission-free offering for independent properties underscores Safara’s dedication to their success. "Think of it as another direct channel alongside their website," Schuessler explained. "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 bridge the gap between direct bookings and the broader Safara ecosystem, enhancing both the guest and hotelier experience.

The integration of Skipper into the Safara family was facilitated by a mutual investor who recognized the synergistic potential between the two companies. The shared vision for the future of hospitality technology was a primary driver for this union. Schuessler admitted that initial discussions about the acquisition occurred earlier in the year, but the timing and alignment of goals eventually converged. "Both companies have a much better chance at achieving the shared vision together than they do apart," he emphasized, underscoring the belief that their combined strengths will accelerate progress. The co-founders of Skipper are set to join Safara, contributing their expertise and experience to the expanded team.

Safara distinguishes itself in a crowded market by offering a dual-pronged solution: robust software for hotels and valuable consumer-facing products. The company’s strategic vision for the coming year is particularly focused on deepening the integration between these two facets. "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," stated Schuessler, who currently serves as Safara’s CEO. This deeper integration is expected to unlock novel functionalities and opportunities for both sides of the hospitality equation, fostering a more dynamic and interconnected travel ecosystem.

The recent funding round, led by prominent venture capital firms Sequoia and Defy.vc, is a significant validation of Safara’s business model and growth potential. Schuessler’s investor relations have been built on strong personal connections. He recounted how Alfred Lin, a partner at Sequoia, was an early advocate for the company, even passing on an initial investment opportunity with the prescient remark, "Maybe we can become partners in the future." This sentiment proved to be prophetic, as Lin has now become a key supporter of Safara’s expansion. Schuessler also highlighted his strong rapport with Brian Rothenberg, a partner at Defy.vc, whom he met through the AngelTrack network. Describing Rothenberg as "extremely supportive through good and bad" and sharing a "very similar lens" on the industry, Schuessler emphasized the value of such collaborative investor relationships.

With the infusion of fresh capital, Safara is poised to accelerate its product development initiatives and expand the reach of its platform to a greater number of hotels. The company’s overarching objective for 2025 and beyond is clear: to empower independent hotels with the same technological sophistication and network advantages enjoyed by their chain counterparts. Schuessler articulated this ambition with conviction: "Our focus of 2025 and beyond is really to empower independent hotels with the same technology and network advantages as chain hotels. 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 vision suggests that Safara aims to revolutionize the independent hotel sector, creating a more competitive and innovative landscape for both hoteliers and travelers alike. The acquisition of Skipper and the substantial funding round are significant steps towards realizing this transformative goal.