Airbnb Acquires GamePlanner.AI for $200 Million

In a groundbreaking move, Airbnb, the global hospitality giant, has taken a significant step into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) with the acquisition of GamePlanner.AI. The stealthy 12-person AI company, led by industry luminaries Adam Cheyer and Siamak Hodjat, caught the attention of Airbnb, resulting in the company’s maiden purchase since going public.

This strategic move, reportedly valued at just under $200 million, underscores Airbnb’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation. GamePlanner.AI, founded by Cheyer and Hodjat, boasts a team with an impressive background in AI development, including pivotal roles in creating virtual personal assistant Siri, which was later acquired by Apple.

Airbnb, known for its series of acquisitions leading up to its initial public offering (IPO) in 2020, has previously integrated companies like HotelTonight and Urbandoor into its platform. The latest addition, GamePlanner.AI, is expected to lend its expertise to accelerate AI projects within Airbnb and seamlessly integrate cutting-edge tools into the platform.

Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s co-founder and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “What makes GamePlanner.AI so special is that they combine expertise in AI, design, and community. AI will rapidly alter our world more than any other technology in our lifetime, but we need to ensure that it augments humanity in a positive way.”

Adam Cheyer, co-founder and CEO of GamePlanner.AI, echoed Chesky’s sentiments, emphasizing the shared commitment to using AI to foster human connection. Cheyer highlighted the importance of design and community-based intelligence in unlocking AI’s full potential, aligning with Airbnb’s human-centric approach.

This acquisition comes on the heels of Airbnb’s recent advancements in AI, including the unveiling of an AI-powered Photo Tour tool during the Winter Release. With the addition of GamePlanner.AI’s talent, Airbnb aims to pioneer interfaces and practical applications that harness AI’s capabilities while prioritizing user experience and community engagement. As the tech landscape evolves, Airbnb’s foray into AI positions the company to lead the way in shaping the future of hospitality technology.