Company website | Industry | Country | Date of foundation | Founder | Product/Business | Number of employees | Location of headquarters |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
www.airbnb.com | Hospitality | United States | August 2008 | Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, Nathan Blecharczyk | Online marketplace for lodging, homestays, and tourism activities | 5,500+ (2021) | San Francisco, California |
Airbnb, Inc. is a hospitality company that operates an online marketplace for lodging, homestays, and tourism activities. Founded in August 2008 by Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk, the company provides a platform for people to rent out their homes or spare rooms to travelers. Airbnb has become a popular alternative to traditional hotels and has expanded its offerings to include unique stays, experiences, and adventures. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and has over 5,500 employees worldwide.
Airbnb's platform allows hosts to list their properties, set prices, and manage reservations, while travelers can search for and book unique accommodations based on their preferences and budget. The company has listings in over 220 countries and regions, with over 4 million hosts and 800 million guest arrivals since its inception. Airbnb has disrupted the traditional hotel industry by providing a more personalized and affordable travel experience for guests, while also allowing hosts to earn extra income by renting out their homes.
In addition to traditional accommodations, Airbnb has expanded its offerings to include unique stays such as treehouses, yurts, and castles, as well as experiences and adventures such as cooking classes, guided tours, and outdoor activities. The company has also introduced safety measures such as verified identification, secure payments, and a 24/7 customer support team to ensure the safety and security of its guests and hosts.
Airbnb's success has not been without controversy, however. The company has faced criticism from some cities and hotel associations for contributing to rising housing costs and disrupting the local housing market. Airbnb has tried to address these concerns by implementing regulations and working with local governments to ensure responsible home sharing.
Airbnb has been recognized as a top employer by various organizations, including Forbes and Glassdoor. The company has a strong culture of inclusion and diversity, with a focus on creating a welcoming and supportive work environment for all employees. Airbnb offers a variety of benefits to its employees, including unlimited vacation time, paid parental leave, and a travel credit to use on the platform. The company also encourages employees to give back to their communities through volunteer opportunities and charitable donations.
Airbnb has made a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, with a focus on reducing its environmental impact and supporting local communities. The company has set a goal to become a net-zero emissions company by 2040 and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, such as promoting sustainable travel options and investing in renewable energy. Airbnb also supports local communities through its Open Homes program, which provides free temporary housing to people in need during times of crisis.
Airbnb offers a variety of services and products to enhance the travel experience for its guests and hosts. These include:
Airbnb's platform is built on a variety of technologies, including:
Airbnb has acquired several companies to enhance its platform and offerings. These include:
Airbnb has faced criticism and controversy over the years, particularly around its impact on local housing markets and communities. Some cities have implemented regulations or outright bans on short-term rentals, citing concerns over rising housing costs and the loss of affordable housing. Airbnb has responded by working with local governments to implement responsible home sharing policies and has introduced tools to help hosts comply with local regulations.
The company has also faced criticism over discrimination on its platform, with some hosts reportedly refusing to rent to guests based on their race, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics. Airbnb has taken steps to address this issue, including implementing a nondiscrimination policy and introducing tools to help hosts and guests build trust and respect.