Here’s a summary of the article:
Paul English and Steve Hafner first bonded over drinks at a VC firm in Cambridge nearly 23 years ago, which eventually led to the creation of Kayak, an online travel business they sold for around $2 billion to Booking Holdings. While English pursued new ventures after leaving Kayak, Hafner remained with the company. Recently, they reunited to launch “Lola,” a new AI travel agent under Booking’s umbrella. The partnership has historical roots, dating back to when they initially considered the name “Lola” for Kayak, but English later acquired it for another startup.
Lola, designed to enhance travel planning, offers free and paid membership options. Its competitive edge lies in its tech and partnerships, integrating seamlessly with various travel brands. For Hafner, this venture revives the startup spirit, allowing them to innovate within a larger company framework.
This article also highlights the renewed collaboration and mutual admiration between English and Hafner in this new venture.
