The Key To A Successful Start-Up, According To Airbnb's CEO

The Key To A Successful Start-Up, According To Airbnb's CEO


January 27, 2023 | Eul Basa

The Key To A Successful Start-Up, According To Airbnb's CEO


When it comes to start-ups, most entrepreneurs would agree that having a strong concept is the key to success. But Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb, says there is so much more to starting a business than just running with a great idea. In BBC's CEO Secrets series, Chesky revealed that who you collaborate with can make all the difference in your entrepreneurial efforts.

While establishing a concept and choosing an appropriate market is essential for developing a start-up, entrepreneurs often focus too heavily on that aspect of the process and not enough on the team of individuals attached to the project. After 13 years of growing Airbnb into a multibillion-dollar business, Chesky would know this struggle all too well.

"I'd rather work with great founders on a not great idea, than not-excellent founders on a great idea," he said.

Dresden,,Germany.,June,,2018.,Travel,Around,The,World,With,Airbnb.Shutterstock

Chesky co-founded Airbnb with his former roommates Joe Gebbia and Nathan Blecharcyzk in 2007. Initially, they intended it to be an option for boosting rent, but after failing to get investors on board early on, they knew their concept needed some major improvements. Instead of quitting, which Chesky cited as one of the main reasons why start-ups fail, he and his partners continued to work through the problems that Airbnb faced.

"If you have a great team, you can take an idea that people might think is a little crazy and you can find a way in."

Despite the hardships, the three co-founders remained in business together and never stopped pursuing their goals. As a result of their perseverance, Airbnb managed to get investors on board in 2009, and ten years later, it would go public at a market value of $89 billion.

Today, Chesky serves as Airbnb's CEO, while Gebbia chairs the company's nonprofit, Airbnb.org, and Blecharczyk runs Airbnb China. Together, they've proven that success is much easier to achieve when you stick with the right people.


READ MORE

My dad added me as a joint owner on his bank account. Now my siblings are saying I stole his money after he passed. What do I do?

Your dad added you to his bank account—but now he’s gone, and the family is divided. Suspicion swirls, and emotions are louder than reason. You can’t rewrite the past, but you can choose how to respond to it. These steps will help you protect yourself and move forward clearly.
July 9, 2025 Peter Kinney

My stepmom sold all my late mother’s jewelry even though it was promised to me and pocketed the money from the sale. Now what?

If your mother said her jewelry would go to when was gone, but your stepmother sold it and kept the proceeds, your options will depend on your mother's estate plan and local inheritance laws.
July 8, 2025 Peter Kinney

I got roped into being the executor of dad’s will. Now the whole family is arguing and blaming me because they didn’t get enough money. What now?

If you were appointed executor of a relative's estate and now your family is angrily blaming you for how things were settled, there are steps you can take to protect yourself legally and emotionally.
July 4, 2025 Jane O'Shea
Couple with separate finances

How To Keep Separate Finances In A Marriage

More couples are choosing to keep their finances separate, especially among younger generations. It can be a smart way to protect assets or maintain independence, however, it only works when both partners are on the same page. Here's how to approach it thoughtfully.
July 8, 2025 Ella Mason

I bought my house before I got married. Now we’re divorcing and my ex wants me to fork over half the value of the house. What now?

If you bought your home before you got married and are now getting divorced, you might wonder if your spouse is entitled to half the house. The answer depends on a few key factors.
July 2, 2025 Alex Summers
Bill Gates

What Made Bill Gates So Successful? He Credits These Simple Lessons

Bill Gates is one of the most successful men on the planet—and now he’s got some easy lessons to help you meet your finance and career goals.
July 7, 2025 Ethan Vestby


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team