The Airbnb case struck me as fascinating for several reasons. They are relatively new to the ‘hotel’ industry; they started meagerly; they’ve grown exponentially; and they have issues others in the ‘hotel’ industry do not.

The case: Airbnb: Disrupting the Hotel Industry

Beginning on page 73 of the text and continuing to page 109 of the text, this case discusses the growth of Airbnb from its founding in 2008 to having over 7 million listings in 220+ countries and regions.

The founders originally started with providing places to sleep during big major events (SXSW and the 2008 Democratic National Convention). However, the company did not have a sustainable business model until it obtained help through a Silicon Valley incubator. That experience prepared Airbnb to successfully enter the global hotel industry with its disruptive business model. In 2019 Airbnb was valued at $31 billion dollars even though still a private firm.

https://news.airbnb.com/about-us/ For general information, this link will take you to the Airbnb home page. As you scroll through this page, note the founders, the fast facts, and their time line.

As part of your discussion, think about a PESTAL model, Porter’s Five Forces Model, co-opetition, the VRIO Framework and other concepts presented in Chapters 3 and 4 of the text. As always, you do not need to address each of these concepts in your discussion. You cannot within your limited time frame. You should touch on how one major concept from these two chapters applies to Airbnb through external analysis and internal analysis.

Requirements:

APA format

Words 500

A minimum of two, reputable, external sources are required

Bring clarity to the issues being discussed. Raise new and novel (yet relevant) points. Rationally defend your stated position.