In a strategic move to bolster its technological capabilities, Airbnb has successfully acquired GamePlanner.AI, a startup co-founded by Adam Cheyer, one of the creators of Apple’s Siri. The acquisition, valued at just under $200 million according to CNBC sources, reflects Airbnb’s commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its services. The 12-person startup brings AI expertise to Airbnb’s existing tech arsenal, which already includes substantial resources in large language models, computer vision models, and machine learning.
The adoption of AI has become a prominent trend across various industries, with companies exploring its applications to revolutionize customer experiences and streamline operations. Airbnb’s CEO, Brian Chesky, emphasized the transformative power of AI, stating that it is poised to reshape our world more significantly than any other technology in our lifetime.
While the exact terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition aligns with Airbnb’s focus on staying at the forefront of technological innovation within the competitive landscape of the travel industry. The integration of GamePlanner.AI’s capabilities is expected to contribute to Airbnb’s ongoing efforts to refine customer-booking experiences, offer personalized suggestions, and optimize travel itineraries.
This move follows similar initiatives by other prominent travel companies, such as Booking.com and Expedia, who have actively embraced AI to enhance their platforms. As Airbnb continues to navigate the evolving landscape of the travel and hospitality sector, the acquisition of GamePlanner.AI positions the company to leverage cutting-edge AI technologies for sustained growth and innovation.