Airbnb, Inc. (pronounced /ˈɛərbiːɛnbiː/AIR-bee-ehn-bee and stylized as airbnb) operates an online marketplace for lodging, primarily homestays for vacation rentals, and tourism activities. It is based in San Francisco, California. The platform is accessible via website and mobile app. Airbnb does not own any of the listed properties; instead, it profits by receiving commission from each booking. The company was founded in 2008 by Brian Chesky, Nathan Blecharczyk and Joe Gebbia. Airbnb is a shortened version of its original name, AirBedandBreakfast.com. (Wiki).

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"When we started Airbnb, it was about more than just travel. In 2007, Joe and I were roommates in San Francisco, and we were trying to figure out how to pay our rent. That weekend, a design conference was coming to San Francisco and hotels were sold out, so we inflated three airbeds and turned our apartment into an Airbed & Breakfast. We hosted three guests — Michael, Kat, and Amol — and in doing so, we became the first hosts on Airbnb. Our guests arrived as strangers, but they left as our friends. The connections we made that weekend led Joe and I to realize, “Maybe there’s a bigger idea here!” Soon after, Nate joined, and we created a way for people around the world to be hosts, just like us.

Since then, we’ve grown from two hosts in San Francisco to a community of over four million hosts all over the world. On the surface, what people come to Airbnb for is a new way to travel, but below the surface, what they find on Airbnb is connection. They experience a deeper connection to the communities they visit and the people who live there. This connection is delivered by our hosts, and they provide guests with a deeply personal experience — after all, guests are welcomed in their homes, and they live in their communities." (Airbnb Founder Letter).

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"Create a world where you can belong anywhere."

"Airbnb is built around the idea that everyone should be able to take the perfect trip, including where they stay, what they do, and who they meet. To that end, we empower millions of people around the world to use their spaces, passions, and talents to become entrepreneurs." (Airbnb.com).

1. Champion the Mission - Airbnb is united with their community to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere
2. Be a Host - Airbnb is caring, open, and encouraging to everyone they work with
3. Embrace the Adventure - Airbnb is driven by curiosity, optimism, and the belief that every person can grow
4. Be a Cereal Entrepreneur - Airbnb is determined and creative in transforming their bold visions into a reality.

Brian Chesky writes, "When I look at this brand, I suddenly realized everything I’ve been trying to say, now we have a way to express it."

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