Skift Take
Airbnb will likely have no trouble raising money, assuming the valuation and terms are palatable to investors, but it's dubious that they will chip in a few hundred million dollars each based on the supposedly inherent advantages of Airbnb's product.
Is an Airbnb inherently safer than a hotel stay during a post-coronavirus environment? And will Airbnb be better positioned than other companies to lead the future of travel?
Airbnb is seeking new private funding, with about 20 investors expressing interest, but Skift subsequently obtained a confidential memo sent to suitors about a consumer survey as part of the process where Airbnb is making arguments such as those above.
The heart of survey overview is that when travel returns post-Covid 19, travelers will be looking for more control over their accommodations, and that the "inherent" advantages of a short-term rental versus a hotel stay, plus Airbnb's brand reputation, put Airbnb in a better position than competitors to take charge of the future of travel.
On that brand reputation tidbit, one of the survey results stands out: When the survey asked, "In general, to what extent do you trust each of the following companies to do the right thing," those who selected "strongly trust" picked Hilton (52 percent) ove
