Airbnb announces relief package. Some hosts say it’s not enough
Once again, Airbnb is in damage control. After facing backlash from hosts for changing its cancellation policy in response...
Airbnb
Image courtesy of Airbnb
About: Airbnb is a website that brokers lodging. It allows those with homes, rooms, or apartments to offer these spaces to tourists or those looking for temporary housing. It facilitates this transaction for customers although it does not own or manage any of the properties it advertises.
Headquarters: San Francisco California
Founded in: 2008
Founded by: Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk
Airbnb Q&A
Where does Airbnb operate?
Airbnb was founded in 2008 in San Francisco by roommates struggling to make rent. The founders received venture funding which allowed them to grow their platform. The nature of the site allows "hosts" to rent out apartments, houses, or rooms by posting pictures of the space and writing a description, which makes the format usable nearly everywhere. Airbnbs are now available on six continents. They have a number of international offices.
What is Airbnb known for?
Airbnb gained interest from venture capitalists in the winter of 2009, when startup incubator Y Combinator provided $20,000 in exchange for a small interest share. They received seed money from Sequoia Capital in April of that year, and have since raised more than $3B in funding. It has experienced several controversies, which range from negative guest and host experiences to discrimination to criticism that it has decreased housing affordability.
Why is Airbnb significant to the real estate industry?
Since it can be used as an alternative to hotel stays, Airbnb has affected the hotel industry. Accusations that Airbnb's presence in a neighborhood increases average rents caused controversy for the company and the real estate industry and indicate that it has also had an affect over the residential market. The company has lobbied against local governments that seek to limit Airbnb's spread in their areas.
Want to learn more about Airbnb?
Check out our Top Stories below for TRD’s most up-to-date coverage of Airbnb.
Airbnb Top Stories
July 9, 2019—A Brooklyn Airbnb host who claimed he was unfairly targeted by the city in retaliation for his advocacy will move forward with a civil rights lawsuit after a U.S. District Court judge dismissed some of his claims but declined to throw out the suit in full.
June 26, 2019—On Tuesday, Airbnb announced it was rolling out Airbnb Luxe, a vertical featuring properties that rent for $1,000 or more per night.
The Latest
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