Airbnb 'super host' service secures $2m funding
Hostmaker aims to challenge the ‘inconsistency in basic service standards’ across Airbnb listed rooms by providing housekeepers and concierges for hosts, as well as advice on boosting bookings on the site.
Since launching in July 2014 the service now operates in London, Barcelona and Rome, serving around 5000 guests a month.
Hostmaker said the additional funding would allow it to expand across other European cities.
“The uncertainty of not knowing what you are going to get is still a hurdle for many to book a home on Airbnb,” said Hostmaker CEO and founder Nakul Sharma.
“Hostmaker’s aim is to bring hotel-quality consistent standards to homes across the world without losing the uniqueness of the homes themselves.
"I am glad to have found investors who believe in our vision and are excited by it.”
Other investors in the round include Avala Capital, DSG Consumer Partners, Delivery Hero co-founder Nikita Fahrenholz and former MD of Airbnb India and Middle East Mohit Srivastava.
Hostmaker offers two options to Airbnb hosts. The first is a flat-fee pay-as-you-go model, where hosts can pick a premium hotel-style housekeeping and linen service or an in-person guest welcome in their absence.
Alternatively Hostmaker provides a full end-to-end service, effectively taking the challenges of offering an Airbnb room entirely out of the users hands.
STR Global estimates that there are over 25,000 London properties listed on Airbnb, 52 per cent of which are entire homes.
