A global online marketplace that connects people looking to rent out their homes with those seeking accommodations. Founded by [[Brian Chesky]], [[Joe Gebbia]], and [[Nathan Blecharczykin]] 2008 in [[San Francisco]], the [[platform]] started by helping travelers find short-term stays in private homes, but has since evolved into a full-fledged hospitality [[ecosystem]]. Airbnb has [disrupted] the traditional hotel industry by leveraging [[peer-to-peer]] technology and creating a user-friendly platform that emphasizes personalization, local [[experiences]], and affordability. Airbnb generates revenue by charging service fees to both guests and hosts for each booking. In recent years, it has expanded its offerings to include “Airbnb Experiences,” which allow users to book activities led by local hosts, further enhancing the travel experience. Airbnb went public in December 2020 with one of the most anticipated [[IPOs]] of the year. It remains a major player in the travel and hospitality industry, continually adapting its platform to meet changing consumer demands and global trends.