Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- Why cereal was Airbnb's early funding hack
- How Uber turned taxi woes into a global empire
- The art of battling giants and regulators alike
- About Airbnb's fight against clones and theft
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
From startups to global giants
There is hardly anyone alive who hasn’t heard of or even patronized the car service, Uber, and the hotel company, Air Bed & Breakfast (Airbnb). Their success and influence in the world today are indisputable; however, it hasn’t always been that way, neither was it achieved by a flick of a wand. Prior to elevating their startups to global prominence, they were relatively unknown. Yet, despite the threat of failure, both companies have shown high levels of courage and determination.
Starting a new business often means facing disbelief and adversities, so perseverance is key.
Uber and Airbnb have their headquarters in San Francisco, California. They are successful companies even though they own little physical assets. Although Airbnb has no actual hotel rooms, it is seen as one of the biggest hotel companies in the world. In addition, Airbnb allows travelers to use other people’s extra sofa, bed, and vacant rooms for a short period. On the other hand, Uber doesn’t recruit professional drivers or its own fleet of vehicles, but it is considered one of the world’s largest car services. Uber allows you to get a car from any location quickly and track the driver via an online map. Then you ride with the unknown driver whose 1-5-star rating is the only way to check his reliability, and you make payments online. These two companies brought new kinds of opportunities and risks into the Internet business.In this summary, you will learn how Uber and Airbnb succeeded where others had failed and built large companies in a very short time. Also, you will be informed on how much of their success was luck and how much can be attributed to drive and skill.
second KEY POINT
Airbnb was just a crazy idea to make ends meet
The co-founders of Airbnb, Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky, came up with the billion-dollar idea to solve expensive hotel fares in New York at the time. On the other hand, they were having trouble paying rent and were looking for a way to earn extra cash. So, in 2007, Gebbia and Chesky opened their doors to Amol Surve, who was attending a congress in the city. This was the first of many guests as the duo soon bought airbeds and opened an Air Bed and Breakfast website. The idea was to provide a place for tourists to sleep and serve them breakfast in the morning for $80 per night. The idea kicked off, and Harvard-trained technical engineer Nathan Blecharczyk soon joined the duo.
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first KEY POINT
A Startup story with its share of challenges
second KEY POINT
A tale of flexibility and adaptation
third KEY POINT
Airbnb's resilience against entrepreneurial challenges
fourth KEY POINT
Uber's international growth
fifth KEY POINT
Overcoming initial skepticism and regulatory hurdles
sixth KEY POINT
Thriving despite the controversy
seventh KEY POINT
Conclusion
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Frequently asked questions
What is The Upstarts: How Uber, Airbnb, and the Killer Companies of the New Silicon Valley Are Changing the World about?
The Upstarts explores how companies like Uber and Airbnb are transforming traditional industries through innovative business models and technology. Written by Brad Stone, the book delves into the rise of the sharing economy and its impact on consumers and the market.
What are the key takeaways from The Upstarts: How Uber, Airbnb, and the Killer Companies of the New Silicon Valley Are Changing the World?
Key takeaways from The Upstarts include understanding the disruptive power of technology in entrepreneurship and how these companies challenge norms. The book emphasizes the balance of risk and innovation in achieving success in today's fast-paced economy.
Is The Upstarts: How Uber, Airbnb, and the Killer Companies of the New Silicon Valley Are Changing the World worth reading?
Yes, The Upstarts is worth reading for anyone interested in the evolution of modern business and entrepreneurship. Its insightful analysis of rising startups provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and consumers alike.
How many pages is The Upstarts: How Uber, Airbnb, and the Killer Companies of the New Silicon Valley Are Changing the World and when was it published?
The Upstarts spans approximately 368 pages and was published in May 2017. This length allows for an in-depth exploration of the topics covered, providing comprehensive insights into the companies discussed.
What lessons can entrepreneurs learn from The Upstarts: How Uber, Airbnb, and the Killer Companies of the New Silicon Valley Are Changing the World?
Entrepreneurs can learn about the importance of adaptability and leveraging technology to disrupt traditional markets from The Upstarts. The book illustrates real-world examples of how innovation and resilience are crucial to thriving in the competitive landscape.