Misterb&b
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Travel, Social networking |
| Founded | 1 January 2014 in Paris, France |
| Founder | Matthieu Jost, François de Landes, Marc Dedonder, Julien Delon |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Matthieu Jost (CEO) |
| Products | LGBTQ-friendly accommodations booking platform, social networking service (Weere) |
| Website | misterbandb |
misterb&b is a travel and social networking service providing a comprehensive directory of LGBTQ-friendly accommodations—including rooms, apartments, hotels, and homestay options—primarily catering to gay men. Available through both its website and mobile application, it holds the distinction of being the largest gay-oriented booking platform worldwide. Established in 2014 in Paris, France by Matthieu Jost, François de Landes, Marc Dedonder, and Julien Delon, the company currently operates out of San Francisco, United States.
The platform has developed features that facilitate connections among LGBTQ+ users and actively supports LGBTQ+ non-governmental organizations via its "Mister for Good" program, demonstrating its dedication to community involvement and social responsibility within the travel sector.
History and formation
misterb&b was created through the combination of the gay travel site myGayTrip and the short-term rental service Sejourning.
Co-founder Matthieu Jost, motivated by varied experiences on platforms like Airbnb, recognized the need for a gay-friendly alternative that could better vet hosts.
The service was launched in early 2014.[1] That same year, it encountered a temporary restriction on Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
By 2015, misterb&b had amassed 55,000 hosts spanning 130 countries.[2] By 2023, its network had expanded to include partnerships in over 200,000 cities globally.[3]
Selected to participate in the 500 Startups accelerator program, misterb&b earned early acclaim. In May 2015, it secured $2 million in seed investment and was recognized as a leading startup by The Next Web.[4]
In June 2017, the company closed an $8.5 million Series A funding round.[2] Early backing came from Joel Simkhai, founder of Grindr.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
By February 2019, misterb&b featured more than 200,000 listings across 135 countries with total funding reaching $13.5 million. As of August 2019, it reported having over 300,000 hosts worldwide.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
The company joined the Expedia Group accelerator initiative aimed at improving travel accessibility for underserved populations.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Additionally, misterb&b introduced Weere, a social networking platform designed to connect LGBTQ individuals locally and internationally through shared interests and live interactions. Weere facilitates relationship-building, participation in activities, and gay couch surfing within the global LGBTQ+ community.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Operation
The platform primarily links LGBTQ travelers with hosts who are welcoming and affirming across the globe. It encourages hosts to provide lodging during prominent LGBT events and functions as a social networking service, travel resource, and online community tailored for gay travelers.
Listing accommodations is free; however, misterb&b collects an average commission of 10% from hosts and approximately 14% from guests on each booking.
Search filters enable users to specify preferences such as pet-friendly options, desire for gay hosts or straight allies, and selections for "unconventional" lodging.
According to misterb&b data, 60% of their Paris-based hosts do not appear on other sharing platforms. The site also curates hotel options and provides safety features including gift cards.
Although some have mistakenly interpreted the platform as endorsing a hookup culture, misterb&b highlights its focus on building friendships between guests and hosts.
Additional offerings include a loyalty rewards program along with safety protocols such as identity verification to bolster user confidence and protection.
Recognition
- CEO Matthieu Jost was recognized by Out Magazine as one of the top 100 most inspiring and impactful LGBTQ+ leaders worldwide.
- The misterb&b application earned the distinction of Apple's App of the Day on two separate occasions.
- Misterb&b has been honored with The One Show award three times.
- The company served as a sponsor for Seasons 2 and 3 of Drag Race France.
See also
External links
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