Seattle-based startup Otto announced the wide release Thursday of its AI-powered travel assistant — Otto the Agent — designed to provide a concierge-level experience for business travelers. The platform, incubated at Madrona Venture Labs, was in closed beta for nine months before launch.
Otto learns individual travel habits, including airline and hotel preferences, seat choices, loyalty programs, and nuanced requirements such as quiet rooms or rooftop bar access. The AI handles the entire transaction end-to-end, from booking to cancellations, rebooking, and credit management, all within a single interface. It can also integrate with a traveler’s calendar to proactively suggest itineraries.
Founder and CEO Michael Gulmann, a former Expedia and Egencia executive, aims to replicate the experience of a top-tier executive assistant. Executive chairman Steve Singh, co-founder of Concur, supports the effort. Notable investors include Barney Harford, former CEO of Orbitz.
Otto is free for individual travelers and small- to mid-sized businesses for 12 months, monetizing via commissions. Pilot programs with corporate partners are planned through a partnership with Direct Travel, also led by Singh.
