Starting Point: Large quantity of underutilized living space, particularly in developed countries

Organizing Strategy: Identify space, link those with space with those seeking locations, provide quality control

Tools: Internet, portable phone devices

Outcomes: Attractive and personalized alternative to hotels, more sophisticated than couch surfing 

Prime Source: www.airbnb.com

Founded in August of 2008 and based in San Francisco, California, Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world — online or from a mobile phone.

Whether an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 34,000 cities and 190 countries. And with world-class customer service and a growing community of users, Airbnb is the easiest way for people to monetize their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions.

TOTAL GUESTS

15,000,000+

LISTINGS WORLDWIDE

600,000+

Surplus is a fact in the rich economies of the world. Sharing assets for mutual benefit simply mirrors what has been done throughout human history in poor economies as a matter of community and survival.