Airbnb.com Will Offer Property Protection after Theft, Vandalism in San Francisco

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Airbnb will soon offer property protection to people who offer their homes for rent via the service after one of them had her San Francisco house damaged by a paying visitor and some items were apparently stolen.

The Associated Press reported that Airbnb.com will cover up to $50,000 worth of damage to homes being rented via the service – commencing on Aug. 15.

CEO Brian Chesky said the company should have responded quicker and “more sensitively” to the woman who rented her home in June, The AP added.

Police made an arrest in connection with the incident.

In a related matter, Airbnb announced recently that it has raised $112 million from investors. The money came from Andreessen Horowitz, which led the round. Also taking part were DST Global and General Catalyst, reported TechZone 360. The investment round led to a value for the company at over $1 billion, according to CNN Money.

Airbnb has seen 2 million nights booked, 30 million page views a month, and has had the number of Airbnb Social Connections triple to 54 million since May, TechZone 360 added.

Airbnb says there is increased demand in Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Brazil for its services.

“Airbnb, with its strong management team and engaged worldwide community is on a path to become a transformational company,” Yuri Milner, founder of DST Global, said in a company statement.

Airbnb’s series A investors included: Sequoia Capital, Greylock Partners and SV Angel, as well as actor and angel investor Ashton Kutcher, according to CNNMoney.

The company provides rental housing in 186 countries. It is expanding globally. Airbnb lets hosts rent their diverse “spaces - everything from an extra room to a private boat, a castle in Italy or a treehouse overlooking the San Francisco bay,” CNNMoney added. 

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Ed Silverstein is a TechZone360 contributor. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Jennifer Russell
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