TripActions aims for super app status with Navan rebrand and OpenAI integration

Travel management platform claims to be the first firm in the sector to use the natural language AI tech that is taking the world by storm

Travel management platform TripActions is bidding to establish itself as a super app for corporate travellers with a rebrand to Navan.

The new name is a combination of ‘navigate’ and ‘avant’, a pre-fix meaning original or innovative. 

Navan has integrated OpenAI’s API with its existing virtual travel assistant, Ava, claiming to be the first travel company to use the technology. 

The firm said the change reflects the consolidation of its all-in-one solution for clients including corporate spending cards and expense management.

“The name change comes as the company defines a new category of software: Business Software Designed for People,” the firm said.

Navan co-founder and chief executive Ariel Cohen added: “Today’s enterprises need solutions that increase operational efficiencies, decrease costs, optimise processes, and ensure compliance. 

“At the same time, employees want to eliminate menial and manual tasks that take unnecessary time and energy away from their actual jobs. When done well, it's a magical experience for all involved—that's what users get with Navan.”

Navan claims to be a pioneer of next-generation business software based on a “people-centric product design”. 

Its cloud-based platform utilises mobile and AI technology to deliver a personalised experience for corporate travellers, employees, managers and executives. 

Access to all of its services via the ‘super app’ will soon be made available to individual business travellers with an associated company email address. 

Ilan Twig, co-founder and chief technology officer, said: “We believe business software should focus on the user by providing them with a smooth, efficient, and well-supported experience. 

“Since the company’s inception, it has been a leader in the travel and expense industry, incorporating AI to drive automation, predictability, optimisation, and world-class customer support for users. 

“Since we already had that infrastructure, incorporating OpenAI’s API to our codebase and Ava was a natural next step.”