The Airbnb Story: How Three Ordinary Guys Disrupted an Industry, Made Billions…and Created Plenty of Controversy

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 876 ratings

Price: 17.46

Last update: 08-26-2024


About this item

This is the remarkable behind-the-scenes story of the creation and growth of Airbnb, the online lodging platform that has become, in under a decade, the largest provider of accommodations in the world. At first just the wacky idea of cofounders Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb has disrupted the $500 billion hotel industry, and its $30 billion valuation is now larger than that of Hilton and close to that of Marriott. Airbnb is beloved by the millions of members in its "host" community and the travelers they shelter every night. And yet, even as the company has blazed such an unexpected path, this is the first book solely dedicated to the phenomenon of Airbnb.

Fortune editor Leigh Gallagher explores the success of Airbnb along with the more controversial side of its story. Regulators want to curb its rapid expansion; hotel industry leaders wrestle with the disruption it has caused them; and residents and customers alike struggle with the unintended consequences of opening up private homes for public consumption. This is also the first in-depth study of Airbnb's leader, Brian Chesky, the quirky and curious young CEO, as he steers the company into new markets and increasingly uncharted waters.


Top reviews from the United States

Jean Claude H
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024
The book is in good condition
Jill M. Nolan
4.0 out of 5 stars A Breezy Stay in the Airbnb Saga: A Review
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2024
"The Airbnb Story" is an enthralling account of the growth of the home-sharing giant, giving readers a glimpse behind the scenes of one of the most innovative companies of our time. Gallagher skillfully covers the difficulties of Airbnb's development, blending stories, business tactics, and disputes into an interesting narrative that leaves you both motivated and thoughtful. One of the key lessons is the power of innovation. Airbnb did not just join the hospitality industry; it transformed it completely. By tapping into the hidden potential of underused spaces and taking advantage of the rising trend of the sharing economy, Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk challenged the established norms and forever changed how we think about travel lodging. Additionally, "The Airbnb Story" emphasizes the importance of accepting failure as a pathway to success. Gallagher does not gloss over Airbnb's mistakes and difficulties, from finding it hard to gain momentum in the early days to dealing with regulatory challenges and PR disasters. However, through perseverance, flexibility, and a strong commitment to their vision, the founders turned challenges into opportunities, becoming stronger and more resolute than ever. Similarly, “The Airbnb Story” explores the complexities of creating a community-centric brand. At its heart, Airbnb is not just a platform for booking lodging; it is a facilitator for human connection and cultural diversity. By creating a sense of belonging and trust among hosts and guests alike, Airbnb goes beyond traditional hospitality models, offering a more immersive and genuine travel experience. Furthermore, "The Airbnb Story" acts as a warning about the ethical consequences of innovation. While Airbnb's rise brought economic benefits to millions and changed the way we travel, it also raised questions about affordability, gentrification, and regulatory control. Gallagher addresses these complicated issues with subtlety, encouraging readers to think about the wider societal effects of innovative technologies. Lastly, “The Airbnb Story” offers useful insights into the aspects of leadership and team dynamics. Through close-up profiles of the founders and key players, Gallagher reveals the cooperative spirit and entrepreneurial enthusiasm that drove Airbnb from a modest startup to a global powerhouse. Their unwavering passion, inventiveness, and readiness to challenge conventions serve as powerful reminders of what it takes to lead in today's fast-changing business environment. In summary, "The Airbnb Story" is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and social change. Gallagher's excellent storytelling and sharp analysis make for an engaging read that entertains as much as it educates.
Arun Sundararajan
5.0 out of 5 stars A riveting read from a truly gifted storyteller
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2017
We've seen a number of books about the sharing economy over the last couple of years. This book is different. When you read it, you discover the sharing economy, yes, through the lens of its most celebrated platform: Airbnb. But its more than a book about the sharing economy or one company. It's about the excitement of entrepreneurship, surviving the challenges of taking on and changing a powerful industry, the human side of innovation, the power of design, learning to be a leader.

Leigh is a truly gifted storyteller, and this is a fascinating story. The detail and nuance is remarkable. You can really tell this is written by a talented journalist. The prose flows fluidly and easily, capturing the essence and culture of the company wonderfully. There's a natural harmony between the style of the book and the personality of the company itself. (I particularly enjoyed the chapters "Air Rage" and "Airbnb Nation.)

I've spent a lot of time understanding Airbnb and studying the sharing economy over the last six years, and I learned a lot I didn't know. You will as well. And you'll enjoy the process. Highly recommended!
Nana
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting if you like this kind of book
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2017
If you are considering using Airbnb either as a host or renter this book is interesting. It was fun to read how they got their start.
Susan Douglas
5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating story - Inspiring to all
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2017
I'm known as the self-appointed "Airbnb Expert," so when I heard there was a book coming out that was not only written by a talented Fortune editor, but was created in cooperation with Airbnb founders and top executives, I was first in line to buy.

The read does not disappoint. I joke that I would do very well in a game of Airbnb Trivial Pursuit. I was delighted to learn new things about the creation of the company I hold so dear.

The author is a first-rate story teller. This is just the beginning of Airbnb. as the company continues along its meteoric rise, author Leigh Gallagher will have no trouble following it up with updates.
Imad
4.0 out of 5 stars The story of possibilities
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
Innovation knows no bounds; what may seem wild initially often springs from the determined minds who transform simplicity into boundless creativity.
Gaëlle
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for first time readers of that genre
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2023
It was my first non fiction book about a start-up and I truly enjoyed reading about the birth of that design. It was an easy read (some pages were a bit more data/IT/heavy) and it felt like being on a tv show (the pace was good).
Joaquin Alducin
5.0 out of 5 stars Good reading
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2023
It is an interesting book, Wich comments on the history of one of the main companies that were born in the 21st century. To bad it falls short because it was written before the COVID pandemic and prior the IPO, good reading!

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