Career Timeline of Brian Chesky: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Brian Chesky, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Brian Chesky is an American businessman and industrial designer best known as the co-founder and CEO of Airbnb. His 10% ownership stake in the company has made him one of the world's wealthiest individuals, with a net worth estimated at $9.2 billion according to Forbes. Chesky's leadership has been pivotal in transforming Airbnb into a global platform that revolutionized the hospitality industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 2007: Moved to San Francisco and started Airbed & Breakfast

In October 2007, Brian Chesky moved to San Francisco. Lacking sufficient funds to pay rent, he and Joe Gebbia started a bed and breakfast, providing air mattresses and Pop-Tarts for short-term renters during the Industrial Designers Society of America conference. This venture later evolved into Airbnb.

2007: Reduced hours to work on furniture designs

In 2007, Brian Chesky reduced his hours at 3DID to work on furniture designs, after becoming disillusioned with his job there.

2008: Airbed & Breakfast Launched and Gained Traction

In 2008, Airbed & Breakfast launched its website before South by Southwest (SXSW) and later re-launched before the Democratic National Convention. The website crashed after being featured in TechCrunch. Through targeted advertising, the company gained 800 room listings and 80 guest bookings in 2008.

2009: Enrolled in Y Combinator and received seed money

In early 2009, Chesky, Gebbia, and Blecharczyk enrolled in a Y Combinator startup course, receiving US$20,000 in seed money and training for a six-percent stake in the company.

2010: Assumed CEO Role at Airbnb

In the fall of 2010, Brian Chesky assumed the title of chief executive officer of Airbnb.

2011: Airbnb expanded in Europe

In 2011, Airbnb purchased Accoleo, a German imitator, and began a rapid expansion in Europe.

2011: Customer Service Issues and Response

In 2011, Brian Chesky addressed Airbnb's efforts to resolve issues after a host's house was vandalized. After initial criticism, Chesky wrote a public message acknowledging his failure, expanding customer service, and creating a fund for hosts facing similar situations.

June 11, 2016: Joined The Giving Pledge

On June 11, 2016, Brian Chesky joined Warren Buffett and Bill Gates' The Giving Pledge, committing to give away the majority of his wealth.

December 2020: Airbnb Became a Public Company

In December 2020, Airbnb became a public company via an initial public offering.

2020: Donated to Support Frontline Workers

In 2020, Brian Chesky donated $10 million to nonprofit organizations supporting frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

May 2022: Pledged to the Obama Foundation

In May 2022, Brian Chesky pledged $100 million over five years to the Obama Foundation to launch the Voyager Scholarship program, supporting students pursuing careers in public service.

September 2024: Gave a Talk at Y Combinator on 'Founder Mode'

In September 2024, Brian Chesky delivered a 2-hour talk at a Y Combinator event about his leadership style, which was later termed "founder mode" by Paul Graham. The talk sparked widespread discussion and debate, generating mixed reactions and criticisms related to gender and micromanagement.