Lots of these lessons are missing the bigger point. The original investor rejections had it right on the business model, except missed the determination of the founders. Sleeping on airbeds and having hosts serve breakfast is a niche market.
Airbnb changed their name and pivoted into the vacation rental rental space, and now shared rooms and "bed and breakfast" are a tiny fraction of their listings, but this opened up a much bigger market. IMO, this is the big lesson.
Airbnb changed their name and pivoted into the vacation rental rental space, and now shared rooms and "bed and breakfast" are a tiny fraction of their listings, but this opened up a much bigger market. IMO, this is the big lesson.