Business Travel

Sonder Holdings Inc. Builds Corporate Travel Business With +100 New Accounts

Sonder | January 07, 2022

Sonder Holdings Inc. Builds Corporate Travel Business
Sonder Holdings Inc. (“Sonder”), a leading next-generation hospitality company that is redefining the guest experience through technology and design, announced it has added over 100 new corporate travel accounts over the last year as a result of the high demand for its thoughtfully designed, reliable and tech-enabled accommodations among business and group clients.Sonder has seen increasing corporate travel demand from the technology, hospitality, retail, entertainment and healthcare industries, and nearly half of Sonder’s corporate booked revenue was driven by corporate housing demand. With Sonder locations in major global business hubs, the most popular destinations for corporate and group bookings last year were New York City, Philadelphia, London, Dublin, New Orleans and Palm Springs.

“In this economy, companies offering a compelling relocation package to a prospective hire can really stand out,” shared Situ’s Managing Director Phil Stapleton. “Today, our clients are consistently prioritizing autonomous accommodation spaces that are comfortable, thoughtfully designed, tech-forward and in the right locations. Sonder consistently delivers across all these aspects, helping us provide the outstanding corporate housing experience our clients are looking for, which makes a difference.”

Sonder’s flexible accommodation options span individual hotel rooms to full apartments with multiple bedrooms, which are available for one-night or multi-night stays. Many spaces offer room to spread out and work remotely, with fully-equipped kitchens, living rooms, multiple bedrooms and en-suite laundry. Sonder’s tech-enabled experience makes it easy for travelers to request early check-in or late check-out directly from their phones, and to bypass crowded lobbies via check-in through the Sonder app. Sonder guests also receive instant support through the company’s 24/7 Concierge service through the app.

“We’re incredibly pleased with the traction we’ve seen among this important travel segment since launching a dedicated team focused on this customer base just last year, and to be working with strong partners in the space,Our continued growth and working with over 100 corporate clients has proven that there’s a significant need for thoughtfully designed, tech-enabled accommodations among these agencies and travelers.”

-Kristen Richter, Vice President of Sales at Sonder

Following the launch of its dedicated business travel offering and Global Distribution System connectivity in mid-2021, Sonder recently signed a partnership with ABC Global Services, a leading supplier of services and technology for travel agencies, advisors and professionals. ABC Global Services’ entire global agent network will now benefit from the ability to choose a comfortable, contactless stay at Sonder in more than 35 cities around the world, at preferential rates.

“While corporate travel may look a little different these days, what matters to our clients and their travelers remains the same: a consistent, comfortable and reliable hospitality experience,We believe that Sonder’s next-generation business model meets that need, delivering an experience that’s innovative, seamless and elevated – with flexible options for different types of stays and travelers.”

-Dee Runyan, President at ABC Global Services

Sonder also has active business travel partnerships with Egencia, HotelEngine and TripActions, three top Travel Management Companies.

Business Combination with Gores Metropoulos II
Sonder recently announced that the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 7, 2021, as amended by Amendment No. 7 filed on December 20, 2021, was declared effective on December 22, 2021. The Registration Statement was filed in connection with the proposed business combination of Sonder and Gores Metropoulos II, Inc. (Nasdaq: GMII, GMIIW, and GMIIU). A special meeting of Gores Metropoulos II stockholders to approve the business combination will be held on January 14, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Sonder’s common stock and public warrants are expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols “SOND” and “SONDW,” respectively, following the closing of the business combination. Upon completion of the business combination, subject to any redemptions by the public stockholders of Gores Metropoulos II and the payment of transaction expenses at the closing, Sonder expects to have approximately $310 million in PIPE proceeds, up to $450 million in cash in Gores Metropoulos II’s trust account and $165 million of Delayed Draw Notes to fund operations and support new and existing growth initiatives.

About Sonder
Sonder is revolutionizing hospitality through innovative, tech-enabled service and inspiring, thoughtfully designed accommodations combined into one seamless experience. Launched in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, Sonder provides a variety of accommodation options — from spacious rooms to fully-equipped suites and apartments — found in over 35 markets spanning ten countries and three continents. The Sonder app gives guests full control over their stay. Complete with self-service features, simple check-in and 24/7 on-the-ground support, amenities and services at Sonder are just a tap away, making a world of better stays open to all.To learn more, visit www.sonder.com or follow Sonder on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Download the Sonder app on Apple or Google Play.

About Gores Metropoulos II, Inc.
Gores Metropoulos II, Inc. (Nasdaq: GMII, GMIIW, and GMIIU) is a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of The Gores Group, LLC, a global investment firm founded in 1987 by Alec Gores, and by an affiliate of Metropoulos & Co. whose Principals are Dean, Evan and Daren Metropoulos. Gores Metropoulos II was formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Messrs. Gores and Metropoulos together have over 100 years of combined experience as entrepreneurs, operators and investors across diverse sectors including industrials, technology, media and entertainment, business services, healthcare and consumer products and services. Over the course of their careers, Messrs. Gores and Metropoulos and their respective teams have invested in more than 180 portfolio companies through varying macroeconomic environments with a consistent, operationally-oriented investment strategy. For more information, please visit www.gores.com.

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