Safara
Series ARaised Since FeaturedThe better way to book hotels
Curated hotel booking platform with cashback rewards targeting millennial and Gen Z travelers.
About
Safara is reimagining hotel booking by combining trusted, community-curated hotel recommendations with a universal cashback rewards program. Co-founded by Doug Schuessler and Cody Rose — both former executives at Resy (acquired by American Express) — the platform lets travelers book from over 1 million properties worldwide while earning 10% back on every stay. Safara curates hotels through community feedback, data aggregation, and industry publications, organizing them into tiers like 'We Love' (community-endorsed), 'Hidden Gem' (underrated value), and 'Press Pick' (media-featured). All bookings are 100% carbon neutral through partnerships with Running the Tide and greenSand. In late 2024, Safara acquired rival Skipper and secured $14M in total funding from Sequoia Capital, defy.vc, Thayer Ventures, and H20, positioning itself to connect independent hotels with the same technology advantages as major chains.
DailyDropout Take
Safara caught our eye as a rare consumer travel play with genuine founder-market fit — Doug Schuessler and Cody Rose helped build Resy into the dominant restaurant booking platform before its acquisition by American Express, and they're now applying that same playbook to hotels. With Sequoia backing, a 10% cashback hook, and carbon-neutral positioning, they're building for the next generation of travelers who want curation over chaos.
Discovery signal: Ex-Resy founding team (Resy acquired by AmEx), Sequoia Arc backing, differentiated cashback + curation model in crowded OTA market
What Makes Them Unique
Safara is the only hotel booking platform that combines community-curated recommendations with a universal 10% cashback rewards program and 100% carbon-neutral bookings — targeting a generational shift in travel spending toward millennials and Gen Z.
1M+
Bookable Properties
10%
Cashback Rate
$14M
Total Raised
100+
Destinations
Target Markets
Founders
Doug Schuessler
Co-Founder & CEO
Serial entrepreneur and former CRO of Resy (acquired by American Express). Previously worked at Square. Focused on bringing the hospitality booking experience to the next generation of travelers.
Cody Rose
Co-Founder & Head of Product
Former executive at Resy and American Express. Previously at Square and RBI. Leads product development and serves as global luxury hotel expert at Safara.
Funding History
Lead: Sequoia Capital (Arc)
Lead: defy.vc