Montreal-based Flatbook is officially rebranding as Sonder after raising a $10 million funding round.
According to Montreal In Technology, Sonder will offer 500 “hometels” that promise the experience of peer-to-peer home rentals that companies like Airbnb are known for, along with the services one would expect from a hotel.
“According to a recent travel trends report, of the 16 percent of Americans who have booked a peer-to-peer rental, 40 percent say they still prefer hotels,” said the company’s CEO, Francis Davidson. “This data shows that while travelers want an authentic experience, they also demand the dependability and security offered by hotels. We founded Sonder because we believe travelers shouldn’t have to choose between authenticity and safety, service and amenities. The future of lodging is a hybrid we call hometels that will offer both.”
The funding was led by Spark Capital with participation from Thayer Ventures, Real Ventures, and BDC Capital. To date, the startup has raised $15 million. Cities using Sonder include Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Diego, Montreal and Vancouver. The company plans to launch in Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Toronto later this year.