Where did the Air in Airbnb come from?
"Brian Chesky and his college roommates were creatively trying to find ways to make money to pay their rent and not get evicted. So, they invested in an air mattress and rented it out on their living room floor. They made some fast cash and continued capitalizing on this idea which evolved into the Airbnb we all know today. The use of "air" in the name is a nod to the company's roots."
"Three young college graduates rented out an air mattress, hence "Airbnb," to avoid eviction back in 2008. This has since grown into the multi-billion-dollar corporation we know and love today, which has transformed the travel and tourism industry. Some of their current offerings are just as unusual as that initial air mattress, from a one square meter room on wheels to tree houses, igloos, furnished caves, yachts, lighthouses, castles, and even private islands."
Even though this challenging trivia question tests your company knowledge, it also introduces you to some fun facts. How you answer will inform your interviewer on the extent of your company research and might even offer insights into your work ethic and how deeply you already embrace their culture. When answering this question, try to over-deliver.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
The "Air" in Airbnb stands for "Airbed." The concept for the company originated when the founders, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, rented out air mattresses in their living room to attendees of a design conference in San Francisco in 2007 because all the hotels were fully booked. They provided these guests with breakfast as well, which covers the "bnb" part, standing for "bed and breakfast". Hence, the company was initially called "AirBed and Breakfast," which was later shortened to Airbnb.
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Great job demonstrating you've done your research on the organization!
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