TrendCentral: In 2007, roommates Joe Gebbia and
Brian Chesky conceived the idea of creating a temporary bed &
breakfast as a way to subsidize the rent on their beautiful San
Francisco apartment. Fast forward three and a half years and their idea
is now a rapidly growing online platform—it saw nearly 800% growth in
2010—with listings in more than 9,000 global cities. Travelers can
choose from a variety of lodging options (e.g., an entire house, a
bedroom or even a couch), ranging in duration from one night to a couple
of months. Demonstrating the community spirit the site strives to
promote, Chesky spent nearly half of 2010 residing solely in the homes
of San Francisco Airbnb users. |
