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

Millionaires Who Made Their Fortunes Later In Life

Becoming a millionaire is something that many people strive for. Few are born into that level of wealth, and for others, it's a lifelong pursuit. These millionaires came to their fortunes later in life.
May 9, 2025 Jack Hawkins

Red Flags That An Investment Is Riskier Than It Seems

Whether you’re looking at stocks, real estate, cryptocurrency, or a private business, it’s critical to know when an opportunity might be too good to be true.
May 9, 2025 Peter Kinney

My son makes great money but wants to buy a new truck. How do I convince him it's a bad investment?

It’s exciting when your child lands a well-paying job, but when the first thing he wants to do is buy a fully loaded pickup truck, you may wonder how to steer him toward a smarter financial decision.
May 9, 2025 Peter Kinney
Internalfb Image

You Might Think You Are Helping When Donating These 25 Items To Charity. You're Not.

Showing up at a donation drop-off with a busted blender and a trash bag of clothes might mean well. But meaning well does not translate to actually helping
May 8, 2025 Alex Summers
Internalfb Image

Suze Orman’s Best Advice On Building Wealth And Independence

Money often feels like an overwhelming subject. But Suze Orman, a trusted voice in personal finance for decades, has built a career demystifying its challenges and empowering people to take control of their financial lives.
May 8, 2025 Alex Summers

My Boyfriend Spent Our Rent When I Have Reduced Hours At Work. Now What?

When your partner shows no responsibility with your shared finances, it's time to have tough conversations—and make some tough choices.
May 8, 2025 Miles Brucker


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