A Founder’s Passion for Innovation

Doug Schuessler’s entrepreneurial spirit has driven him since childhood. Always a founder at heart, his journey took him through launching two startups, relocating to San Francisco, and working at Square to experience a “real rocket ship.” After serving as chief revenue officer at restaurant booking platform Resy, which later sold to AMEX, Schuessler found himself captivated by the hospitality tech industry. “Independent hotels really need the help,” he shared with TechCrunch. Decades ago, most hotels were independently owned, but now chains are dominating, making it tough for the smaller players.

Creating Safara: A New Vision for Hotel Booking

Teaming up with Cody Rose, a former Resy colleague, Schuessler co-founded Safara. This innovative platform allows users to book almost any hotel globally—be it a chain or independent—using a curated list from consumer data and community recommendations. Their rewards program offers cash back for bookings, adding value to customers’ travel experiences.

“Think of it as another direct channel alongside their website,” Schuessler explained. “We connect these products to enhance guest experiences by allowing direct web guests to manage reservations through the Safara app.”

– Doug Schuessler

Strategic Growth and Acquisition

Recently, Safara announced an undisclosed funding round led by Sequoia and Defy.vc and the acquisition of Skipper, an online booking engine for independent hotels. This raises Safara’s total funding to $14 million. The partnership was born from a mutual investor’s introduction, bringing together teams with aligned visions for hospitality.

The Future of Hospitality Tech

Schuessler envisions Safara as a unique player in the market by offering software solutions that benefit both hotels and consumers. “The magic will unfold in 2025 when we connect these products more deeply,” he said. With fresh capital, Safara plans to scale development and expand its hotel network.

A Vision for Empowerment and Experience

Looking ahead, Schuessler aims to empower independent hotels with technology akin to that of chain hotels. “If we succeed,” he noted, “not only do we support these hotels, but we unlock new guest experiences that don’t exist yet. Achieving both will elevate Safara as a company.” The sky truly seems the limit for Safara’s innovative journey.