Joseph Gebbia Jr. is an accomplished American designer and entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of Airbnb, a revolutionary home rental platform that has transformed the travel industry. After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2005, Gebbia began his career as a designer at Chronicle Books, where he was the sole industrial designer in a predominantly graphic design environment. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to create Ecolect, a green-design website, showcasing his commitment to sustainable design practices.

In 2007, Gebbia, alongside his classmate Brian Chesky, launched Airbnb after a creative solution to a housing shortage during a design conference. Their innovative idea of renting airbeds in their apartment quickly evolved into a global phenomenon. Gebbia played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of listings by implementing a professional photography program, which significantly boosted Airbnb’s revenue and reputation. Under his leadership, the company expanded its offerings from shared spaces to entire homes, solidifying its position in the market.

In addition to his work with Airbnb, Gebbia has ventured into various projects, including the launch of Neighborhood, a modular office furniture business, and the establishment of Samara, an accessory dwelling unit startup. His design work has garnered recognition in prestigious publications, and he continues to influence the industry through innovative design solutions.

Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Gebbia is a dedicated philanthropist, contributing millions to various causes, including education and homelessness. His commitment to social responsibility is evident through initiatives like Airbnb.org, which provides housing during crises. Gebbia’s vision and leadership have not only shaped Airbnb but also inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs and designers.