Airbnb was founded in 2008.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky is one of the richest and most successful entrepreneurs of the internet age. He is credited with founding the short-term rental giant that turned the hotel industry on its head and offered its users a dignified alternative to hotel rooms. Originally called “AirBed & Breakfast,” the company came up with the idea to start the company with his roommate after renting out air mattresses in their apartment. On Sunday, he shared a picture on X (formerly Twitter) showing what the company’s website looked like in 2008.
“Airbnb launched 16 years ago today. It was actually our third launch since no one noticed the first two,” Mr Chesky wrote on August 11, sharing the image of the old website.
Take a look below:
Airbnb launched 16 years ago today. It was actually our third launch since no one noticed the first two. pic.twitter.com/poW6VQQdNX
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) 11 August 2024
Since being shared, Mr Chesky’s post has garnered more than 465,000 views. It even caught the attention of tech billionaire Elon Musk, who simply commented, “Congratulations.”
When one user wrote in the comments section, “But zero improvements in about 6 years,” Mr. Chesky replied, “Actually 400 improvements in the last 2 years alone.”
“Congratulations. How does it feel? To have built one of the most important companies of our time,” said another user.
“Congratulations Brian! Airbnb has changed everything! I wish you and the team continued success,” commented a third user. “You have changed the industry, nothing stays the same. This is another example of why persistence pays off,” said a fourth.
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“I’m sure this has been quite a journey. I look forward to seeing what you build over the next 16 years!” commented another user.
In a recent interview, Mr. Chesky recounted the mistake he made during layoffs at the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020. In a podcast, Mr. Chesky revealed that he wrote a note to employees telling them the company would be conducting layoffs. “I have deep love for all of you,” he wrote. But he added that he would express his gratitude differently today.
“Viewing the workplace as a family can be an effective motivational tool, but it can also make it harder for bosses and employees alike to get their jobs done,” Mr. Chesky said, according to CNBC Make It.
