Why he is on our inspiration board?

He has an inspiring journey from a creative upbringing to leading a global hospitality platform. Airbnb hosts approximately 4 million guests per night, so Brian knows a thing or two about relationships.

Where is he from?


He grew up in Niskayuna, a suburb of Schenectady, New York. He went to Niskayuna High School, graduating in 1999. He attended the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design in 2004.

Big break in life

In 2007, facing financial difficulties, Chesky and his roommate Joe Gebbia rented out air mattresses in their San Francisco apartment to attendees of a design conference. This concept evolved into Airbnb, revolutionizing the hospitality industry.

His network

When you look the institutions someone has been a part of, it gives you a window into their network, and who they might be friends with.

• Airbnb: Co-founder and CEO.
• Y Combinator: Participated in their startup incubator program in 2009.
• The Giving Pledge: Joined in 2016, committing to donate the majority of his wealth.

Quotes we love

"Culture is a thousand things, a thousand times. It's living the core values when you hire; when you write an email; when you are working on a project; when you are walking in the hall."

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