Exhibit 99.1
April 30, 2021
SONDER, A NEXT-GENERATION HOSPITALITY COMPANY, TO BE PUBLICLY LISTED THROUGH COMBINATION WITH GORES METROPOULOS II
Through innovative technology and thoughtfully designed accommodations, Sonder is revolutionizing the
hospitality industry
Combined company to have an estimated pro forma enterprise value of approximately $2.2 billion
Business combination includes $650 million of cash proceeds from Gores Metropoulos II before expenses,
including fully committed PIPE of $200 million from top-tier institutional investors, including Fidelity
Management & Research Company LLC, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, Atreides
Management, LP, entities affiliated with Moore Capital Management, Principal Global Investors, LLC,
and Senator Investment Group
Proceeds from the business combination will be used to continue global growth and expansion and increase investments in technology to drive an elevated guest experience
San Francisco, CA – April 30, 2021 – Sonder Holdings Inc. (“Sonder” or the “Company”), a leading next-generation hospitality company that is redefining the guest experience, and Gores Metropoulos II, Inc. (Nasdaq: GMIIU, GMII and GMIIW), 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 Dean Metropoulos of Metropoulos & Co., today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) to combine. The technology-driven hospitality business is expected to have a pro forma enterprise value of $2.2 billion and over $700 million of net cash at closing.
Sonder officially launched in 2014 and was co-founded by Francis Davidson, Chief Executive Officer, and Martin Picard, Global Head of Real Estate. Since its founding, Sonder has executed against its mission to transform the hospitality industry through modern, technology-powered service and inspiring, thoughtfully designed accommodations combined into one seamlessly managed experience. Sonder currently operates more than 300 properties across 35 markets in eight countries.
Sonder works directly with real estate developers and property owners to lease, manage and operate spaces, providing guests with exceptionally designed accommodations at affordable prices on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis. Led by a management team with deep technology, operational and hospitality experience, the Company’s tech-enabled, mobile-first platform provides seamless booking, digital concierge and a unified, on-demand platform for maintenance and service. Driven by Sonder’s differentiated digital service model, the Company can reduce operating costs by as much as 50% compared to traditional hotels.
“Through innovative technology and thoughtfully designed accommodations, Sonder is revolutionizing the hospitality industry,” said Francis Davidson, Sonder’s co-founder and CEO. “With modernized service, we are delivering uncompromising quality with inspiring design, and offering accommodations at a price point that democratizes access to an extraordinary hospitality experience. We are incredibly excited about this transaction with Gores, which we view as a natural extension of our longstanding relationship that will enable us to accelerate our growth on the path to build the iconic 21st century brand in hospitality.”