This Week in Startups Airbnb Co-Founder Joe Gebbia on early “a-ha” moments, elite design + his new startup Samara | E1675
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Feb 8, 2023 
Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb and design visionary, talks about the early challenges of establishing Airbnb and the pivotal moments that led to its success. He shares insights on gaining customer trust, the company's impressive recovery during COVID, and the importance of functional design. Joe also introduces his innovative new venture, Samara, which focuses on modular housing solutions, aiming to address the housing crisis with sustainable and customizable living options.
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Early Fundraising Challenges
- Airbnb's initial pitch to investors in Silicon Valley was met with rejection, some even walking out.
- Despite early traction during the 2008 DNC, securing funding proved challenging due to the "strangers equal danger" bias.
Design Philosophy
- Design is not just about aesthetics; it's about how something works and the entire user experience.
- Good design considers user needs and the designer's imagination, satisfying the user and delighting their subconscious.
The New York City Trip
- Following Paul Graham's advice, Joe and Brian went to New York City to meet Airbnb hosts and improve their listings.
- By taking professional photos and addressing host-reported website issues, they increased revenue and proved the value of direct customer interaction.