Is Airbnb inching toward an IPO?
All signs point to yes.
In the news this week are stories of Airbnb naming its first independent board member and the expansion of Experiences, both of which suggest that the company will be selling shares in the very near future. Jasper is joined by Glenn Carter, Head of Marketing at Hostfully, to discuss the potential for Airbnb to go public in 2018.
Glenn and Jasper also cover stories exploring whether Airbnb is still cheaper than hotels in the world’s major cities and how regulations in Berlin have affected the number of apartments available on the rental market. Listen in to find out which tennis star is designing the Airbnb-friendly apartments for Niido in Florida and how you can win a stay in an unusual Airbnb listing at sea in the Bahamas! What do you dream of exploring beneath the waves?
Topics Covered
Article #1: Airbnb, Edging Toward Possible IPO, Names Ken Chenault to Board
- Former CEO of American Express
- Provides ‘outside supervision’ of company
- Points to IPO in next 12 months
- First profitable year in 2017 ($3.5B revenue, $1M profit)
- Uncertainty around regulations could hold back
Article #2: Airbnb Doubles Down on Its Experiences with a $5M Investment
- Expanding to 200 US locations
- Global guest bookings up 2,000%
- Number of experiences up to 4K
- Push to be end-to-end travel service
Article #3: Is Airbnb Really Cheaper Than a Hotel Room in the World’s Major Cities?
- Compares average prices in major cities
- NYC: $306 for hotel vs. $187 for Airbnb
- Data pulled from AirDNA, HRS
- Average prices don’t consider Airbnb perks (i.e.: kitchen, deals)
Article #4: Venus Williams to Design Airbnb Apartments
- Creating looks for Niido apartments in Florida
- 324-unit building designed to accommodate Airbnb
Article #5: Airbnb’s Latest Listing: A Research Vessel with Incredible Views and a No-High-Heels Policy
- Contest for free, two-night stay including underwater dive
- Located at sea off Cape Eleuthera in Bahamas
- ‘What do you dream of exploring beneath the waves?’
Article #6: Berlin Housing Law Replenishes Housing Stock for Renters
- 8K apartments returned to rental market
- 4K from short-term rental market, 4K had been empty
- Legislation in progress to allow vacation rentals 60 days/year
Resources Mentioned
Article #1: nytimes.com/2018/01/25/business/dealbook/airbnb-ken-chenault.html
Article #2: fastcompany.com/40522519/airbnb-doubles-down-on-its-experiences-feature-with-a-5m-investment
Article #4: baseline.tennis.com/article/71777/venus-williams-design-airbnb-apartments
Article #5: theverge.com/tldr/2018/1/29/16944824/airbnb-blue-planet-alucia-submarine-ocean-dive-contest
Article #6: dw.com/en/berlin-housing-law-replenishes-housing-stock-for-renters/a-42360345
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
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This episode is sponsored by Payfully. Payfully allows Airbnb hosts to get paid within 24 hours after a booking is received. Use code GPFYP to get the first advance for free!
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