Guide Note

Kayak is a travel web site. It serves as an engine that allows users to search various travel sites like Expedia, Orbitz, and CheapTickets simulateously. Kayak aggregates the search results, compares prices, and guides users the lowest price. The consumer does not buy directly from Kayak, as it is not a travel retailer. Kayak generates revenue through pay per click advertising, meaning that Kayak gets paid by travel sites, when prospective customer visit their site via a Kayak link. It has received excellent reviews and many recommendations from consumer magazines, websites, and organization. Kayak was originally founded in 2004, by the former founders of Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity. In 2006, Time Magazine named Kayak one of its "50 coolest websites".

Fast Facts

1. Annual revenue (2007): $3.3 Million
2. Year Established: 2004
3. Industry: Internet Search
4. Phone: (203) 899-3100
5. Fax: (203) 899-3125
6. HQ: Norwalk, Connecticut
7. Chairman: Terrell B. Jones
8. CEO: Daniel S. Hafner
9. CTO: Paul English
10. Staff: 33

1. 2004: Kayak was founded
2. 2007: Acquired travel search competitor SideStep

• Sequoia Capital
• America Online
• General Catalyst Partners
• Accel Partners