The Synopsis

Article. Airbnb Business History

Apr 18, 2025
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ANECDOTE

Airbnb's Humble Airbnb Start

  • Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia started Airbnb by renting air mattresses in their apartment during a design conference.
  • They targeted budget travelers attending an event, which led to the initial concept of "Air Bed and Breakfast."
ANECDOTE

Cereal Box Fundraising Stunt

  • Struggling financially, Airbnb founders made and sold political-themed cereal to generate cash and media attention.
  • This creative stunt earned $30K and helped them crash their website with TechCrunch traffic.
ANECDOTE

Y Combinator Interview Cereal Tactic

  • During a Y Combinator interview, Joe Gebbia brought cereal boxes despite advice not to.
  • Paul Graham's perception changed, praising their resilience and seeing promise in their ability to sell $40 cereal boxes.
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