Brian Chesky, an internationally recognized entrepreneur, is the force behind the revolutionary online accommodation-booking platform Airbnb. Alongside his business partners, Chesky not only founded Airbnb but also occupies its CEO position. His influential status landed him on Time magazine’s 2015 list of ‘100 Most Influential People’. The seeds of entrepreneurship were planted during his college years, where he managed a hockey team. His entrepreneurial spirit surfaced once again during a financial crunch in 2007, where he and his roommates rented out their apartment, setting the stage for Airbnb’s creation. Chesky’s customer-focused approach has been a significant factor driving his success.
Professional Journey
Post-college, Chesky started his career in Los Angeles as an industrial designer and strategist at 3DID. His move to San Francisco led him to share an apartment with Gebbia, his friend and future co-founder of Airbnb. The genesis of Airbnb occurred during a conference hosted by the Industrial Designers Society of America in San Francisco, when Chesky and Gebbia, struggling to pay rent, rented their apartment to conference attendees. Joined by Harvard alumnus Nathan Blecharczyk in 2008, the trio launched the ‘Airbed and Breakfast’ concept, which later morphed into Airbnb. Their innovative fundraising strategies, including releasing limited-edition cereals themed around presidential candidates, helped attract their initial seed funding. The company grew, launching offices across Europe and implementing a 24-hour hotline service for complaints. By 2015, Airbnb was valued at $20 billion, securing official sponsorship of the 2016 Summer Olympics and earning Chesky a spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Richest Entrepreneurs Under 40 and TIME’s ‘100 Most Influential People for 2015’.
Personal Background
Born on August 29, 1981, in Niskayuna, New York, Chesky was raised by social workers Robert and Deborah Chesky. His father’s roots trace back to Poland while his mother is of Italian descent. Chesky’s interest in art, design, and landscape architecture began in his childhood. Chesky attended the Rhode Island School of Design, obtaining a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design in 2004. It was during his time at RISD that he met Joe Gebbia, a key player in the creation of Airbnb. Chesky is in a relationship with artist Elissa Patel, with whom he connected on Tinder.
Early Years and Educational Background
Brian Chesky, born on August 29, 1981, in Niskayuna, New York, is the son of social workers Deborah and Robert Chesky. Chesky’s father is of Polish descent, while his mother is Italian. He also has a younger sibling, Allison. Chesky showed an early interest in the artistic realm, particularly in design and sketching. His interest evolved over time, and he became fascinated by landscape design and architecture. In 1999, Chesky enrolled at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he excelled academically and made the honor roll. After completing his degree in Industrial Design in 2004, Chesky had formed a close friendship with Joe Gebbia, who would later become his business cofounder.
Rise and Success of Airbnb
Airbnb began its global journey in its first year by establishing offices in Europe. Despite having multiple sources of income, Chesky’s primary focus was Airbnb. In response to a complaint about tenant damage in 2011, Chesky introduced a 24-hour hotline and increased staff support. Additionally, he introduced a guarantee against vandalism and theft, which encouraged more property owners to list their properties. Airbnb’s success continued, and it served as the official sponsor for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. Even before this, during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, over 120,000 guests used Airbnb for their accommodations. In December 2020, the company went public and attained a valuation of $100 billion.
Issues and Controversies
Despite the global popularity of Airbnb, the company faced numerous challenges. From local regulations to concerns from competitors, Airbnb had numerous hurdles to overcome. For instance, in New York, the law prohibited residents from renting their spaces for less than 30 days unless they lived on the property. There were also tax-related issues as cities expected hosts to pay tourism and hotel taxes. The traditional hotel industry was also displeased with Airbnb’s growing popularity as it offered competitive prices and locations. Privacy concerns for both homeowners and guests were also prominent. To address these issues, Chesky implemented stringent safety measures, such as extensive background checks on homeowners and hiding the complete address until a booking is made.
