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==History== |
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{{see also|Timeline of Airbnb}} |
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[[File:April Dembosky (FT) and Joe Gebbia (Airbnb) (7986573359).jpg|thumb|upright|Airbnb founder Joe Gebbia (right)]] |
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Shortly after moving to San Francisco in October 2007, roommates and former schoolmates [[Brian Chesky]] and [[Joe Gebbia]] could not afford the rent for their loft apartment. Chesky and Gebbia came up with the idea of putting an [[air mattress]] in their living room and turning it into a bed and breakfast.<ref>{{cite news | title=Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk, Founders of AirBnB | url=https://www.inc.com/30under30/2010/profile-brian-chesky-joe-gebbia-nathan-blecharczyk-airbnb.html | work=[[Inc. (magazine)|Inc.com]] | last=Lagorio | first=Christine | date=19 July 2010}}</ref><ref name=medium>{{cite news | last=McCann | first=Chris | title=Scaling Airbnb with Brian Chesky – Class 18 Notes of Stanford University's CS183C | url=https://medium.com/cs183c-blitzscaling-class-collection/scaling-airbnb-with-brian-chesky-class-18-notes-of-stanford-university-s-cs183c-3fcf75778358 | work=[[Medium (website)|Medium]] | date=20 November 2015}}</ref> The goal at first was just "to make a few bucks".<ref name=visual>{{cite news | last=Carson | first=Biz | title=How 3 guys turned renting an air mattress in their apartment into a $25 billion company | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/how-airbnb-was-founded-a-visual-history-2016-2 | work=[[Business Insider]] | date=23 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last=Geron |first=Tomio | title=Airbnb Goes Through "Pivots" Aplenty Before Finding Its Space | url=https://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2011/02/14/airbnb-goes-through-pivots-aplenty-before-finding-its-space/ | work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] | date=14 February 2011 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> In February 2008, [[Nathan Blecharczyk]], Chesky's former roommate, joined as the Chief Technology Officer and the third co-founder of the new venture, which they named AirBed & Breakfast.<ref name=medium/><ref>{{cite web | title=New License to Explore: Airbnb’s Nathan Blecharczyk ’05 | url=https://alumni.harvard.edu/stories/airbnb-nathan-blecharczyk-05 | publisher=[[Harvard University]] | date=10 September 2015}}</ref> They put together a website which offered short-term living quarters, breakfast, and a unique [[business networking]] opportunity for those who were unable to book a hotel in the saturated market.<ref>{{cite book | first1=Rachel | last1=Botsman | first2=Roo | last2=Rogers | title=What's Mine Is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption | url=https://books.google.com/books/about/What_s_Mine_Is_Yours.html?id=LiC2foFeXQYC | publisher=[[HarperCollins]] | date=14 September 2010}}</ref> The site Airbedandbreakfast.com officially launched on August 11, 2008.<ref>{{cite news | last=Schonfeld | first=Erik | title=AirBed And Breakfast Takes Pad Crashing To A Whole New Level | url=https://techcrunch.com/2008/08/11/airbed-and-breakfast-takes-pad-crashing-to-a-whole-new-level/ | work=[[TechCrunch]] | date=11 August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last=Geron | first=Tomio | title=From Crash Pad To Pizza Profitable, Start-Up Eyes Budget Travel Market | url=https://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2009/06/10/from-crash-pad-to-pizza-profitable-entrepreneurs-target-budget-travel-market/ | work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] | date=10 June 2009 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> The founders had their first customers in town in the summer of 2008, during the Industrial Design Conference held by [[Industrial Designers Society of America]], where travelers had a hard time finding lodging in the city.<ref name=medium/><ref>{{cite news | last=Drell | first=Lauren | title=How Do Co-Founders Meet? 17 Startups Tell All | url=https://mashable.com/2011/12/25/how-co-founders-met/ | work=[[Mashable]] | date=25 December 2011}}</ref> |
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To help fund the site, the founders created special edition breakfast cereals, with presidential candidates [[Barack Obama]] and [[John McCain]] as the inspiration for "Obama O's" and "Cap'n McCains".<ref>{{cite news | title=The Business of Politics | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121803424407616937 | work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] | last=Spors | first=Kelly | date=11 August 2008 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> In two months, 800 boxes of cereal were sold at $40 each, which generated more than $30,000 for the company's incubation.<ref>{{cite news | last=Rusli | first=Evelyn | title=The New Start-Ups at Sun Valley | url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/07/07/the-new-sun-valley-start-ups/ | work=[[The New York Times]] | date=7 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Where to get startup cash now | url=https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/smallbusiness/1003/gallery.startup_cash_now/ | work=[[CNN]] | last=Peng | first=Tina | date=24 March 2010}}</ref> It also got the company noticed by computer programmer [[Paul Graham (computer programmer)|Paul Graham]], who invited the founders to the January 2009 winter training session of his startup incubator, [[Y Combinator (company)|Y Combinator]], which provided them with training and $20,000 in funding in exchange for a small interest in the company.<ref name=visual/><ref>{{cite news | title=What Every Startup Can Learn From AirBnB | url=https://gigaom.com/2011/02/22/airbnb/ | work=[[GigaOm]] | last=Malik | first=Om | date=22 Feb 2011}}</ref><ref name=ycombinator>{{cite news | title=Y Combinator's Airbed And Breakfast Casts A Wider Net For Housing Rentals As AirBnB | url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/03/04/y-combinators-airbed-and-breakfast-casts-a-wider-net-for-housing-rentals-as-airbnb/ | last=Rao | first=Leena | work=[[TechCrunch]] | date=4 March 2009}}</ref> With the website already built, they used the $20,000 Y-Combinator investment to fly to New York City to meet users and promote the site.<ref>{{cite web | title=AirBnB | url=http://www.paulgraham.com/airbnb.html | publisher=PaulGraham.com | last=Graham | first=Paul | date=21 February 2009}}</ref> They returned to San Francisco with a profitable business model to present to West Coast investors. By March 2009, the site had 10,000 users and 2,500 listings.<ref name=ycombinator/> |
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In March 2009, the name of the company was shortened to Airbnb.com, and the site's content had expanded from air beds and shared spaces to a variety of properties including entire homes and apartments, private rooms, [[castle]]s, boats, manors, [[tree house]]s, [[tipi]]s, [[igloo]]s, [[private island]]s and other properties.<ref>{{cite web | title=Why is it Called Airbnb? | url=https://www.rewindandcapture.com/why-is-it-called-airbnb/ | last=Lang | first=Adam | publisher=Rewind & Capture | date=23 December 2014}}</ref> |
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One year later, there were 15 people working from Chesky and Gebbia's loft apartment on Rausch Street in San Francisco. To make room for employees, Brian Chesky gave up his bedroom and lived at lodging booked via the Airbnb service until the company moved into its first office space.<ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb Founder Eats His Own Dogfood, Goes 'Homeless' For Months | url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/06/21/airbnb-brian-chesky/ | work=[[TechCrunch]] | last=Wauters | first=Robin | date=21 June 2010}}</ref><ref name=visual/> In April 2009, the company received $600,000 in [[seed money]] from [[Sequoia Capital]]<ref name=visual/> and, in November 2010, raised $7.2 million in financing from [[Greylock Partners]] and, again, from Sequoia Capital, in a [[Series A round]], then announcing that out of 700,000 nights booked, 80% had occurred in the previous six months.<ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb Raises Cash to Expand Budget-Travel Service | url=https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/airbnb-books-more-cash-to-connect-travelers-with-cheap-digs/ | work=[[The New York Times]] | last=Wortham | first=Jenna | date=10 November 2010 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> |
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In February 2011, Airbnb announced its 1,000,000th night booked.<ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb Hits 1 Million Nights Booked As European Clone Emerges | url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/02/24/airbnb-hits-1-million-nights-booked-as-european-clone-emerges/ | work=[[TechCrunch]] | last=Wauters | first=Robin | date=24 Feb 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last=Lee | first=Ellen | title=Airbnb passes bookings: 1 million nights | url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Airbnb-passes-bookings-milestone-1-million-nights-2473584.php | work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] | date=1 March 2011}}</ref> In January 2012, the company announced its 5,000,000th night booked.<ref name=5million>{{cite news | last=Wauters | first=Robin | title=Airbnb: 5 Million Nights Booked, Opening 6 New International Offices In Q1 2012 | url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/01/26/airbnb-5-million-nights-booked-opening-6-new-international-offices-in-q1-2012/ | work=[[TechCrunch]] | date=26 January 2012}}</ref> In June 2012, Airbnb announced its 10,000,000th night booked, doubling business in the previous five months.<ref>{{cite press release | title=Airbnb Celebrates Over 10 Million Nights Booked | url=http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/airbnb-celebrates-record-growth-with-10-million-guest-nights-booked-1670787.htm | publisher=[[Marketwired]] | date=19 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=The World's 50 Most Innovative Companies | url=https://www.fastcompany.com/company/airbnb | work=[[Fast Company]] | last=Carr | first=Austin | date=1 September 2012}}</ref> Of these bookings, 75% of the business came from markets outside of the continental [[United States]]. |
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In mid-2011, Airbnb began offering US$50,000 of ''secondary'' insurance, called its "host guarantee", which covers [[property damage]] due to [[vandalism]] and [[theft]]. In May 2012, the company increased the amount to US$1,000,000.<ref>{{cite news | title=All eyes on the sharing economy | url=https://www.economist.com/news/technology-quarterly/21572914-collaborative-consumption-technology-makes-it-easier-people-rent-items | work=[[The Economist]] | date=March 9, 2013}}</ref> |
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On May 9, 2011, Airbnb added a feature called "Social Connections" that allows users to see if they have common friends with hosts or guests via [[Facebook]].<ref name=coziesfacebook/><ref name="auto3"/> |
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On May 25, 2011, [[Ashton Kutcher]], an actor and partner at [[A-Grade Investments]], announced a significant investment in the company and his role as a strategic brand advisor for the company.<ref>{{cite news | title=An Actor Who Knows Start-Ups | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/26/technology/26ashton.html | work=[[The New York Times]] | last=Wortham | first=Jenna | date=25 May 2011 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> |
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At the 2011 [[South by Southwest]] conference, Airbnb won the "app" award.<ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb Mobile App Stands Out at SXSW | url=https://www.inc.com/articles/201103/airbnb-mobile-app-stands-out-at-sxsw.html | first=Tiffany | last=Black | work=[[Inc. (magazine)|Inc.]] | date=28 July 2011}}</ref> |
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In October 2011, Airbnb established an office in [[London]], its second international office.<ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb set to expand with London office | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/8801030/Airbnb-set-to-expand-with-London-office.html | last=Quinn | first=James | work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | date=2 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb takes on Europe. Will it revolutionize the industry, again? | url=https://thenextweb.com/insider/2011/07/06/airbnb-takes-on-europe-will-it-revolutionize-the-industry-again/ | last=Taylor | first=Dan | work=The Next Web | date=6 July 2011}}</ref> |
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Due to the growth of international [[end-user]]s, in early 2012, Airbnb opened offices in [[Paris]], [[Milan]], [[Barcelona]], [[Copenhagen]], [[Moscow]], and [[São Paulo]].<ref name=5million/> These openings were in addition to existing offices in [[San Francisco]], [[London]], [[Hamburg]], and [[Berlin]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb Checks In With Springstar For International Expansion | url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/10/17/airbnb-checks-in-with-springstar-for-international-expansion/ | last=Wauters | first=Robin | work=[[TechCrunch]] | date=17 October 2011}}</ref> In September 2013, the company announced that it would establish its European headquarters in Dublin.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thejournal.ie/airbnb-dublin-hq-1081453-Sep2013/ | title=Airbnb to open European HQ in Dublin | work=[[TheJournal.ie]] | date=13 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/airbnb-to-open-european-hq-in-dublin-1.1526454 | title=Airbnb to open European HQ in Dublin | work=[[The Irish Times]] | date=13 September 2013 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> |
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In November 2012, Airbnb opened an office in [[Sydney]], Australia, its 11th office location, and announced plans to launch the service in Thailand and Indonesia.<ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb launches in Australia with new office in Sydney, coming soon to Thailand and Indonesia | url=https://thenextweb.com/asia/2012/11/02/airbnb-launches-in-australia-coming-soon-to-thailand-and-indonesia/ | first=Josh | last=Ong | work=[[The Next Web]] | date=2 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb officially launches in Australia | url=https://delimiter.com.au/2012/11/05/airbnb-officially-launches-in-australia/ | first=Renai | last=LeMay | work=Delimiter | date=5 November 2012}}</ref> In December 2012, Airbnb announced its strategy to move more aggressively into the Asian market with the launch of an office in [[Singapore]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb targets 2 million properties in Asia as it begins introducing local customer support | url=https://thenextweb.com/asia/2012/11/21/airbnb-targets-2-million-properties-in-asia-as-it-begins-introducing-local-customer-support/ | work=[[The Next Web]] | last=Russell | first=Jon | date=12 November 2012}}</ref> |
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In November 2012, Airbnb launched "Neighborhoods", a [[travel guide]] of 23 cities that provides in-depth information via [[collaborative filtering]] to help travelers choose a neighborhood in which to stay based on criteria such as public transportation, dining, peace & quiet, nightlife, tourist attractions, and shopping.<ref name="auto4">{{cite web | url=https://www.airbnb.com/locations | title=Airbnb Neighborhoods – Your Local Travel Guide | publisher=Airbnb}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last=Roy | first=Jessica | title=Introducing Airbnb Neighborhoods, a Local Guide for Travelers Deciding Where to Stay | url=https://observer.com/2012/11/introducing-airbnb-neighborhoods-a-local-guide-for-travelers-deciding-which-neighborhood-to-stay-in/ | work=[[The Observer]] | date=13 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last=Terdiman | first=Daniel | title=Why Airbnb Neighborhoods could make traveling easier for all | url=https://www.cnet.com/news/why-airbnb-neighborhoods-could-make-traveling-easier-for-all/ | work=[[CNET]] | date=13 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb Introduces Neighborhood-Centric Travel Guides | url=https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/11/airbnb-neighborhoods/ | work=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] | last=Baldwin | first=Roberto | date=13 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb Launches Neighborhoods, Providing The Definitive Travel Guide For Local Neighborhoods | url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/11/13/airbnb-launches-neighborhoods-providing-the-definitive-travel-guide-for-its-guests/ | work=[[TechCrunch]] | last=Lawler | first=Ryan | date=13 November 2012}}</ref> |
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By October 2013, Airbnb had served 9,000,000 guests since its founding in August 2008,<ref>{{cite news | last=Lawler | first=Ryan | title=Airbnb Has Now Served 9M Guests Since Being Founded, Up From 4M At The End Of Last Year | url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/10/19/airbnb-has-now-served-9m-guests-since-being-founded-up-from-4m-at-the-end-of-last-year/ | work=[[TechCrunch]] | date=20 October 2013}}</ref> and in December 2013, the company reported it had over 6,000,000 new guests in 2013, and nearly 250,000 properties were added in 2013.<ref>{{cite news | last=Lawler | first=Ryan | title=Airbnb Tops 10 Million Guest Stays Since Launch, Now Has 550,000 Properties Listed Worldwide | url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/12/19/airbnb-10m/ | work=[[TechCrunch]] | date=19 December 2013}}</ref> |
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In July 2014, Airbnb revealed design revisions to the site and mobile app and introduced a new logo.<ref>{{cite news | last=Baldwin | first=Roberto | title=Airbnb updates design and introduces controversial new Bélo logo | url=https://thenextweb.com/dd/2014/07/16/airbnb-updates-design-introduces-new-belo-logo/ | work=[[The Next Web]] | date=16 July 2014}}</ref> Some considered the new logo to be visually similar to [[genitalia]],<ref name=visual/><ref>{{cite news | last=Brody | first=Ben | title=This is Airbnb's 'obscene' new logo | url=https://money.cnn.com/2014/07/16/technology/social/airbnb-logo/ | work=[[CNN]] | date=17 July 2014}}</ref> but a consumer survey by [[Survata]] showed only a minority of respondents thought this was the case.<ref>{{cite news | last=Mathew | first=Troy | title=Airbnb logo redesign: More people see hearts than naughty parts | url=https://www.survata.com/blog/airbnb-logo-redesign-survey-more-people-see-hearts-than-naughty-parts/ | work=[[Survata]] | date=16 July 2014}}</ref> |
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In July 2014, Airbnb became the official jersey sponsor for the [[Australia men's national basketball team]] at the [[2014 Basketball World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Australian Boomers Sign Airbnb as Naming Rights Sponsor | url=https://australia.basketball/blog/2014/07/24/australian-boomers-sign-airbnb-naming-rights-sponsor/ | work=Basketball Australia | date=24 July 2014}}</ref> |
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In April 2015, following the [[Obama administration]]'s easing of restrictions on U.S. businesses to operate in Cuba, Airbnb expanded to Cuba, making it one of the first U.S. companies to do so.<ref>{{cite news | last=Olorunnipa | first=Toluse | title=Cuba Is Fastest-Growing Market for Airbnb as Obama Cracks Door | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-11/cuba-is-fastest-growing-market-for-airbnb-as-obama-cracks-door | work=[[Bloomberg News]] | date=May 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Here's what it's like to stay in a Cuban Airbnb, where everything looked great but was actually broken | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-like-to-stay-in-an-airbnb-in-havana-cuba-2015-6 | last=Macias | first=Amanda | work=[[Business Insider]] | date=30 June 2015}}</ref> |
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In June 2015, Airbnb sponsored the [[Manor F1 Team]] and the Airbnb logo appeared on the front nose of the cars and on team wear including the drivers' overalls.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2015/06/05/manor-secures-partnership-with-airbnb/ | title=Manor secures partnership with Airbnb | first=Luke | last=Smith | work=[[NBC Sports]] | date=5 June 2015}}</ref> |
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In August 2015, Airbnb partnered with [[Tesla Motors]] to provide chargers at certain host houses.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tesla-has-a-new-way-to-quell-range-anxiety_n_55db4405e4b04ae49703c584 | title=Tesla Wants To Take Stress Out Of Vacationing With An Electric Car | first=Alexander C. | last=Kaufman | work=[[HuffPost]] | date=24 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://fortune.com/2015/08/20/airbnb-tesla-partner/ | title=Airbnb, Tesla partner to make road trips easier for Model S owners | first=KIRSTEN | last=KOROSEC | work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] | date=24 August 2015}}</ref> |
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In the summer of 2016, at the request of three members of the [[United States Senate]], the [[Federal Trade Commission]] began investigating how Airbnb affected housing costs. In October 2016, [[New York (state)|New York]] Governor [[Andrew Cuomo]] signed a bill charging Airbnb fines for violations of local housing laws. [[The New York Times]] reported that these events were related and part of a "plan that the hotel association started in early 2016 to thwart Airbnb".<ref name=combat/> |
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In January 2017, Airbnb led a $13 million investment in restaurant reservation-booking app, Resy, along with serial entrepreneurs [[Gary Vaynerchuk]], Ben Leventhal and Mike Montero.<ref>{{cite news | first=Avery | last=Hartmans | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/resy-airbnb-investment-2017-1 | title=Reservation-booking app Resy just got a massive investment from Airbnb, one of the most valuable startups in the world | work=[[Business Insider]] | date=9 January 2017}}</ref> |
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Airbnb first became profitable during the second half of 2016. Airbnb's revenue grew more than 80% from 2015 to 2016.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.cnet.com/news/airbnb-first-profit-home-rental-travel-startups/ | title=Airbnb makes it rain, turning a profit for the first time | first=Dara | last=Kerr | work=[[CNET]] | date=26 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-26/airbnb-enters-the-land-of-profitability | title=Airbnb Enters the Land of Profitability | first1=Brad | last1=Stone | first2=Olivia | last2=Zaleski | work=[[Bloomberg News]] | date=26 January 2017}}</ref> |
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In February 2018, Brian Chesky said that the company is considering launching an airline.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/airbnb-wants-to-start-an-airline | title=Airbnb Founder Reveals Secret Plans to Launch an Airline | last=Rizzo | work=[[Travel + Leisure]] | date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> |
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In February 2018, the company announced Airbnb Plus, a collection of homes that have been vetted for quality of services, comfort and design,<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-secret-to-getting-your-home-on-airbnb-plus | title=The Secret to Getting Your Home on Airbnb Plus | first=Amanda | last=Sims | work=[[Architectural Digest]] | date=March 6, 2018}}</ref> as well as Beyond by Airbnb, which offers luxury vacation rentals.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://skift.com/2018/02/22/airbnb-plus-and-everything-ceo-brian-chesky-just-announced/ | title=Airbnb Plus and Everything CEO Brian Chesky Just Announced | first=Deanna | last=Ting | work=Skift | date=February 22, 2018}}</ref> |
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===Acquisitions=== |
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On May 31, 2011, Airbnb acquired a German competitor, Accoleo. This [[takeover]], as well as other similar acquisitions, launched the first international Airbnb office, in [[Hamburg]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb moves 'aggressively' into Europe | url=https://www.ft.com/content/9051978c-8baf-11e0-a725-00144feab49a | last=Bradshaw | first=Tim | work=[[Financial Times]] | date=31 May 2011 | url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb buys German clone Accoleo, opens first European office in Hamburg | url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/06/01/airbnb-buys-german-clone-accoleo-opens-first-european-office-in-hamburg/ | last=Wauters | first=Robin | work=[[TechCrunch]] | date=1 June 2011}}</ref> Prior to the [[2012 Summer Olympics]], Airbnb acquired London-based rival CrashPadder, subsequently adding 6,000 international listings to its existing inventory. This acquisition made Airbnb the largest lodging website in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite news | last=Kerr | first=Dana | title=Airbnb buys Crashpadder, its largest U.K. competitor | url=https://www.cnet.com/news/airbnb-buys-crashpadder-its-largest-u-k-competitor/ | work=[[CNET]] | date=20 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb M&A Acquisitions Airbnb Acquires UK-based Crashpadder As Part Of International Growth Push | url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/03/20/airbnb-acquires-uk-based-crashpadder-as-part-of-international-growth-push/ | first=Colleen | last=Taylor | work=[[TechCrunch]] | date=20 March 2012}}</ref> In November 2012, Airbnb acquired NabeWise, a city guide that aggregates curated information for specified locations.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://fortune.com/2012/11/13/with-neighborhoods-airbnb-expands-its-horizons/ | title=With Neighborhoods, Airbnb expands its horizons | last=Hempel | first=Jessi | work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] | date=13 November 2012}}</ref> The acquisition shifted the company focus toward offering [[hyperlocal]] recommendations to travelers.<ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb Launches Neighborhoods For Hyper-Local Travel Guides | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomiogeron/2012/11/14/airbnb-neighborhoods-brings-travel-guides-to-hyper-local-level/ | work=[[Forbes]] | last=Geron | first=Tomio | date=14 November 2012}}</ref> In December 2012, Airbnb announced the acquisition of Localmind.<ref>{{cite news | title=Why did Airbnb just buy Localmind? Local expertise | url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/12/13/airbnb-acquires-localmind/ | work=[[VentureBeat]] | last=Van Grove | first=Jennifer | date=13 December 2012}}</ref> Localmind is a location-based question and answer platform that allows users to post questions about specific locations online. These questions are then answered in real-time by experts on the specified territories.<ref>{{cite news | title=Airbnb Aims To Get More Social With Acquisition Of Q&A Startup Localmind | url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/12/13/airbnb-acquires-localmind/ | work=[[TechCrunch]] | last=Ha | first=Anthony | date=13 December 2012}}</ref> |
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In February 2017, the company acquired Luxury Retreats International, a Canadian-based villa rental company, for approximately $300 million in cash and stock, its largest acquisition to date.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-16/airbnb-buys-vacation-home-management-company-luxury-retreats | title=Airbnb Acquires Luxury Retreats, Beating Out Expedia, Accor | first1=Olivia | last1=Zaleski | first2=Gerrit | last2=De Vynck | work=[[Bloomberg News]] | date=16 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://fortune.com/2017/02/17/airbnb-acquires-luxury-retreats/ | title=Soon You'll Be Able to Rent Richard Branson’s Island on Airbnb | first=POLINA | last=MARINOVA | work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] | date=17 February 2017}}</ref> In February 2017, Airbnb acquired [[Tilt.com]], a social payment startup. On November 28, 2017, Airbnb began allowing users to split payments with up to 16 other travelers.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/28/airbnb-launches-payment-splitting-for-group-trips/ | title=Airbnb launches payment splitting for group trips | first=Jordan | last=Cook | work=[[TechCrunch]] | date=November 28, 2017}}</ref> On November 16, 2017, the company acquired Accomable, a startup focused on travel [[accessibility]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/nov/27/airbnb-expands-into-stays-for-disabled-travellers-accomable-rental | title=Access all areas: Airbnb expands into stays for disabled travellers | work=[[The Guardian]] | first=Will | last=Coldwell | date=November 27, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbnb-acquisition/airbnb-acquires-accomable-to-offer-home-rentals-for-disabled-travelers-idUSKBN1DG2H5 | title=Airbnb acquires Accomable to offer home rentals for disabled travelers | last=Somerville | first=Heather | work=[[Reuters]] | date=November 16, 2017}}</ref> |
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In March 2019, the company acquired [[HotelTonight]], a website for booking last-minute hotel rooms, for over $400 million.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/07/technology/airbnb-hotel-tonight.html | title=Airbnb Acquires HotelTonight to Expand Travel Portfolio | first=Erin | last=Griffith | work=[[The New York Times]] | date=March 7, 2019 | url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbnb-m-a-hoteltonight/airbnb-buys-hoteltonight-in-deeper-expansion-into-hotel-booking-business-idUSKCN1QO2B4 | title=Airbnb buys HotelTonight in deeper expansion into hotel-booking business | first=Heather | last=Somerville | work=[[Reuters]] | date=March 7, 2019}}</ref> |
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==Product overview== |
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[[:File:Airbnb app screenshot.png|thumb|Airbnb iPhone app screenshot]] |
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===Accommodations=== |
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Airbnb provides a platform for hosts to accommodate guests with short-term lodging and tourism-related activities.<ref name="thestreet-2018">{{cite news |title=How Does Airbnb Work for Hosts and Travelers? |last1=Sraders |first1=Anne |url=https://www.thestreet.com/lifestyle/travel/how-does-airbnb-work-14714337 |work=[[TheStreet, Inc.]] |date=24 September 2018 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> Guests can search for lodging using filters such as lodging type, dates, location, and price.<ref name="thestreet-2018"/><ref name="Patchapril2019">{{cite news |title=Airbnb Warns Auburn Fans Against 3rd Party Scams For Final 4 |last1=Seale |first1=Michael |url=https://patch.com/alabama/birmingham-al/airbnb-warns-auburn-fans-against-3rd-party-scams-final-4 |work=[[Patch Media]] |date=1 April 2019 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> As of mid-2018, guests have the ability to search for specific types of homes, such as bed and breakfasts, unique homes, and vacation homes.<ref name="PlusandcollectionsVB">{{cite news |title=Airbnb debuts premium Plus program and new listing categories |last1=Johnson |first1=Khari |url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/02/22/airbnb-debuts-premium-plus-program-and-new-listing-categories/ |work=[[VentureBeat]] |date=22 February 2018 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> Before booking, users must provide personal and payment information.<ref name="thestreet-2018"/> Some hosts also require a scan of government-issued identification before accepting a reservation.<ref>{{cite news | title=America's new business model: Sharing | url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-07-15/social-sharing-economy/56243142/1 | work=[[USA Today]] | last=Yu | first=Roger | date=6 July 2011}}</ref> Guests have the ability to chat with hosts through a secure messaging system.<ref name="Patchapril2019"/> Listings with the "Instant Book" feature allow guests to immediately book an accommodation without first messaging the host; otherwise, guests "Request to book" and await approval from the host.<ref name="thestreet-2018"/> |
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Hosts provide prices and other details for their rental or event listings, such as the allowed number of guests, home type, rules, and amenities.<ref name="thestreet-2018"/><ref name="Patchapril2019"/> Pricing is determined by the host, with recommendations from Airbnb.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Magno |first1=Francesca |last2=Cassia |first2=Fabio |last3=Ugolini |first3=Marta Maria |title=Accommodation prices on Airbnb: effects of host experience and market demand |journal=The TQM Journal |date=13 August 2018 |volume=30 |issue=5 |pages=608–620 |doi=10.1108/TQM-12-2017-0164}}</ref> Hosts and guests have the ability to leave reviews about the experience.<ref name="thestreet-2018"/> |
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Founder Joe Gebbia has said that Airbnb is specifically "designed for trust" and Airbnb provides a variety of safety mechanisms.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ted.com/talks/joe_gebbia_how_airbnb_designs_for_trust | title=How Airbnb designs for trust | publisher=[[TED (conference)|TED]] | date=February 2016}}</ref> Host Protection Insurance is US$1,000,000 of free insurance for hosts and covers liability claims, such as losses to property or if a guest sues a host for bodily injury. This insurance does not cover damages to the host’s house.<ref name="SFCMarch2018">{{cite news |title=Airbnb hosts face conundrum when it comes to insurance |last1=Pender |first1=Kathleen |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/networth/article/Airbnb-hosts-face-conundrum-when-it-comes-to-12778219.php |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |date=24 March 2018 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> Additionally, Airbnb provides a free "Host Guarantee" that covers up to US$1,000,000 of property damages, subject to numerous exclusions. The company has stated that this should not replace homeowner's or renter's insurance.<ref name="SFCMarch2018"/> |
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Airbnb has said that all hosts must follow local laws and regulations.<ref name="thestreet-2018"/> Some Airbnb hosts have been critical of the difficulty of claim filing and the company's exclusion policies.<ref name="GuardianOct2018">{{cite news |title=The Guardian |last1=Tims |first1=Anna |url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/oct/03/airbnb-damage-redress-guarantee |work=The Guardian |date=3 October 2018 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> |
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Users including hosts and guests may become verified through an online process by linking their [[Facebook]] profile or [[Google]] account, or offline process by providing government-issued identification.<ref name="Venturebeat2014">{{cite news |title=Airbnb now lets you verify your identity with Google and Weibo |last1=Weber |first1=Harrison |url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/08/15/airbnb-now-lets-you-verify-your-identity-with-google-and-weibo/ |work=[[VentureBeat]] |date=15 August 2014 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> Airbnb Social Connections allow users to connect with friends or friends of friends by linking their Facebook profiles.<ref name="Bankrate2018">{{cite news |title=How to rent or Airbnb your home the smart way |last1=Campisi |first1=Natalie |url=https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/how-to-rent-or-airbnb-your-home-the-smart-way/ |work=[[Bankrate]] |date=19 December 2018 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{cite news | title=Airbnb Taps Facebook, Lets You Crash With Friends Of Friends | url=http://mashable.com/2011/05/10/airbnb-social-connections/ | work=[[Mashable]] | last=Van Grove | first=Jennifer | date=10 May 2011}}</ref> |
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Airbnb Superhosts are hosts that have consistently high customer reviews.<ref name="NYT2017">{{cite news |title=The Guide to Being an Airbnb Superhost |last1=Chen |first1=Brian X. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/11/technology/personaltech/the-guide-to-being-an-airbnb-superhost.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=11 January 2017 |accessdate=April 11, 2019}}</ref> As of December 2018, to become a Superhost they are required to have hosted at least ten trips and maintain an average rating of more than 4.8 out 5 stars.<ref name="Skift-2018">{{cite news |title=Airbnb Touts One of Its Most Valuable Assets as It Prepares for IPO |last1=Ting |first1=Deanna |url=https://skift.com/2018/12/03/airbnb-touts-one-of-its-most-valuable-assets-as-it-prepares-for-ipo/ |work=[[Skift]] |date=3 December 2018 |accessdate=April 11, 2019}}</ref> Superhosts are identified in listings with a "Superhost badge".<ref name="Rappler2019">{{cite news |title=7 Airbnb safety tips |last1=Gonzales |first1=Gelo |url=https://www.rappler.com/technology/features/227348-airbnb-safety-tips |work=[[Rappler]] |date=4 April 2019 |accessdate=April 11, 2019}}</ref> |
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===Experiences=== |
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Airbnb has expanded its product beyond its core accommodations, with the aim of becoming an |
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"end to end travel platform."<ref name="Techcrunch2019">{{cite news |title=Airbnb just checked in its 500 millionth guest |last1=Clark |first1=Kate |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/27/airbnb-just-checked-in-its-500-millionth-guest/ |work=TechCrunch |date=27 March 2019 |accessdate=April 23, 2019}}</ref> The company announced in 2016 that it was expanding into "Experiences," which allow guests to book activities with local guides, including cooking classes, guided tours, and meetups.<ref name="NYTNov2016">{{cite news |title=Navigating the New Airbnb |last1=Rosenbloom |first1=Stephanie |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/28/travel/airbnb-expansion.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=28 November 2016 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> Guests have the ability to filter Experiences by interest when browsing the website.<ref name="NYTNov2016"/> As of 2018, there are approximately 25,000 experiences in 1,000 locations.<ref name="Skiftairbnbtrips">{{cite news |title=Airbnb Says It Has Hosted More Than Half a Billion Travelers Since Its Launch |last1=Ting |first1=Deanna |url=https://skift.com/2019/03/27/airbnb-says-it-has-hosted-more-than-half-a-billion-travelers-since-its-launch/ |work=[[Skift]] |date=27 March 2019 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Bustle-2019">{{cite news |title=Airbnb Experiences Teamed Up With Bob Ross-Certified Instructors To Help You Experience “The Joy Of Painting” |last1=Peters |first1=Lucia |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/airbnb-experiences-teamed-up-with-bob-ross-certified-instructors-to-help-you-experience-the-joy-of-painting-17009439 |work=[[Bustle]] |date=April 2019 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> Experiences vary in duration and cost.<ref name="NYTNov2016"/> |
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Airbnb partnered with Resy, a restaurant reservation platform, in September 2017, and started offering restaurant bookings through the Airbnb [[app]].<ref name="CNN-restaurant">{{cite news |title=You can now book a restaurant reservation on Airbnb |last1=Yurieff |first1=Kaya |url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/09/20/technology/airbnb-restaurants-booking-resy/index.html |work=[[CNN]] Business |date=September 20, 2017 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> |
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===Airbnb Plus=== |
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Launched in February 2018, Airbnb Plus is a feature that distinguishes listings with additional amenities, such as those typically found in hotels, from standard listings with fewer luxuries.<ref name="Verge-feb2018">{{cite news |title=Airbnb reveals new hotel-like service called Airbnb Plus |last1=Statt |first1=Nick |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/22/17040684/airbnb-plus-hotels-standard-amenities-service-loyalty-program |work=[[The Verge]] |date=22 February 2018 |accessdate=April 11, 2019}}</ref> In order to be part of the program, Airbnb Plus hosts must apply<ref name="Verge-feb2018"/> and are required to meet 100 specific qualifications, in addition to providing standard amenities.<ref name="TastingTable2018">{{cite news |title=Airbnb Launches Its New Plus and Beyond Platforms |last1=Sherman |first1=Amy |url=https://www.tastingtable.com/travel/national/airbnb-plus-beyond |work=[[Tasting Table]] |date=5 March 2018 |accessdate=April 11, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Verge-feb2018"/><ref name="PlusandcollectionsVB">{{cite news |title=Airbnb debuts premium Plus program and new listing categories |last1=Johnson |first1=Khari |url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/02/22/airbnb-debuts-premium-plus-program-and-new-listing-categories/ |work=[[VentureBeat]] |date=22 February 2018 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> The location is professionally photographed and inspected to ensure the requirements are met.<ref name="Verge-feb2018"/> Examples of required amenities include a clean refrigerator, full cooking equipment, stocked toiletries,<ref name="Verge-feb2018"/> fast Wi-Fi, and strong water pressure.<ref name="TastingTable2018"/> Airbnb Plus listings are marked with a badge to differentiate from standard listings.<ref name="Verge-feb2018"/> |
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===Airbnb Collections=== |
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Airbnb Collections, which the company launched in February 2018, categorize homes ideal for specific occasions. Options include Airbnb for Families, Airbnb for Work, as well as homes for weddings, dinner parties, and other gatherings.<ref name="PlusandcollectionsVB"/> Airbnb for Work, formerly known as Airbnb for Business,<ref name="skiftsept2018">{{cite news |title=Airbnb for Work Brings Meeting Spaces and Experiences to Business Travelers |last1=Sheivachman |first1=Andrew |url=https://skift.com/2018/09/05/airbnb-for-work-brings-meeting-spaces-and-experiences-to-business-travelers/ |work=[[Skift]] |date=5 September 2018 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> provides tools for companies to manage the work-related travel of employees.<ref name="skiftsept2018"/><ref name="FastCompany-2018Feb">{{cite news |title=Airbnb Wants To Turn Every Day Of Your Life Into A Vacation |last1=Reader |first1=Ruth |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/40533537/airbnb-isnt-as-mainstream-as-you-think-can-it-get-there |work=[[Fast Company]] |date=14 March 2018 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> The program includes homes suited for those traveling for work with amenities such as Wi-Fi and computer-friendly workspaces.<ref name="NYTNov2016">{{cite news |title=Navigating the New Airbnb |last1=Rosenbloom |first1=Stephanie |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/28/travel/airbnb-expansion.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=28 November 2016 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}</ref> |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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