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US: Airbnb chief executive Brian Chesky is planning to launch a new artificial intelligence venture, marking his first major move into the rapidly growing AI industry while continuing to lead the accommodation platform.
Bloomberg reports that Chesky is developing an AI lab to build artificial intelligence technology, in the early stages. The project is expected to focus on how people interact with AI and how the technology can be made easier and more useful for everyday users.
There is little information available about the venture so far, but sources familiar with the plans said Chesky will remain chief executive of Airbnb and will not lead the new AI lab on a day-to-day basis.
The move comes as artificial intelligence continues to grow across the travel and technology industry. While Airbnb has used AI tools internally to help speed up software development, the company has taken a different approach from rivals such as Expedia and Booking Holdings, which have partnered with OpenAI to introduce ChatGPT-powered travel features.
Chesky has previously expressed that not many applications for AI are ready at the moment, and that travellers require more interactive and hands-free experiences than can be achieved with text-based chatbots.
Airbnb is also expanding its business beyond accommodation booking solutions with the new venture to add new travel solutions to its overall growth strategy.
Representatives for Airbnb declined to comment on the reports.
Highlights:
• Airbnb chief executive Brian Chesky is developing a new artificial intelligence venture, marking his first direct move into the rapidly growing AI sector
• Bloomberg reported that Chesky’s proposed AI lab will focus on developing artificial intelligence technology, with particular attention on user interaction and design
• While creating the new venture, Chesky is expected to remain chief executive of Airbnb and will not oversee the AI company’s daily operations
• Unlike travel rivals Expedia and Booking Holdings, Airbnb has not partnered with OpenAI to offer ChatGPT-powered travel tools, despite adopting AI internally
• The planned AI venture comes as Airbnb continues expanding beyond accommodation bookings and invests in new travel-related services as part of its broader growth strategy
