Airbnb acquires AI startup Gameplanner.AI
Airbnb’s purchase of Gameplanner.AI is a strategic move to enhance its services with advanced AI. Leveraging the expertise of Adam Cheyer and the vision of Brian Chesky, Airbnb aims to revolutionize travel by combining human creativity with the efficiency of AI, according to a recent CNBC. report.
The Stealthy Rise of Gameplanner.AI
Founded in 2020, Gameplanner.AI operates in “stealth mode,” a common practice among startups to protect intellectual property or minimize distractions. This acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen Airbnb’s AI plans.
Gameplanner.AI co-founder Adam Cheyer is a notable figure in the tech industry. Cheyer, one of the original founders of Siri, played a crucial role in its development and subsequent acquisition by Apple, where he worked closely with Steve Jobs. His expertise did not stop there; he later co-founded Viv Labs, which laid the foundation for Samsung’s voice assistant.
Airbnb’s vision with AI
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky envisions a transformative role for generative AI in the platform. It aims to use AI as a “travel concierge,” learning more about users over time to improve their travel experiences. This could include matching users with suitable rooms or homes, tailoring the platform to individual preferences and needs.
The acquisition is Airbnb’s first since 2019 and signals a potential shift in Chesky’s M&A strategy. That could spark interest on Wall Street, especially given Airbnb’s financial health. The company is profitable on a GAAP basis and had $11 billion in cash and liquid assets as of the end of September.
The broader AI landscape
Airbnb’s move comes amid a flurry of AI-related activity in the tech world. Google is reportedly in talks to invest heavily in another AI startup, Character.AI. This startup, which recently raised $150 million at a billion-dollar valuation, allows users to interact with AI versions of famous personalities.
Airbnb’s acquisition of Gameplanner.AI marks a strategic step toward integrating AI into its offerings. Thanks to the savvy of Adam Cheyer and the foresight of Brian Chesky, Airbnb is poised to transform travel, merging human ingenuity and AI efficiency. As the world of technology continues to evolve, such acquisitions highlight the growing importance of AI in shaping future business strategies.
