Expedia Group announced the acquisition of Layla, a Berlin-based artificial intelligence startup focused on trip planning and booking, as part of efforts to expand its AI agent offerings. The announcement came on a Friday, though financial terms were not disclosed by the travel services company.
Layla was founded in 2023 and has secured approximately 5 million euros ($5.7 million) in funding from investors including First Minute Capital and M13, according to Crunchbase records. The platform leverages conversational AI technology to assist travelers in planning and booking trips while providing real-time pricing information.
An Expedia spokesperson confirmed that Layla will maintain its operational status following the acquisition. The startup’s team members are expected to collaborate with personnel across Expedia Group’s portfolio of brands, which encompasses Expedia.com, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. This integration approach allows the company to retain the startup’s technology and expertise while leveraging it across its broader travel services ecosystem.
Beyond the technological capabilities of the Layla platform, the acquisition provides Expedia with access to specialized technical talent in the field of artificial intelligence. Industry observers note that such talent acquisition represents a significant benefit of the deal, regardless of whether Layla eventually operates as a distinct brand or becomes more fully integrated into Expedia’s existing operations in the coming years.
The move reflects a broader industry trend of major travel companies investing in AI-powered tools to enhance customer experiences and streamline travel planning processes. As competition intensifies among online travel agencies and travel technology providers, companies are increasingly pursuing acquisitions and partnerships to accelerate their development of advanced AI capabilities.
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