Airbnb has recently sealed the deal to acquire GamePlanner.AI
Airbnb In a strategic move, a mysterious artificial intelligence startup, for an undisclosed sum, speculated to be around $200 million, according to CNBC. While this figure is yet to be officially confirmed, TechCrunch couldn’t verify it at the time of publishing.
The brainchild of Adam Cheyer, renowned for his role in launching Siri, and Siamak Hodjat, previously associated with Viv Labs, GamePlanner.AI remains shrouded in mystery. Despite a limited online presence, it is known that Gabe Greenbaum, a general partner at B Capital, and Joseph Huang, GamePlanner’s head of design, are associated with the startup.
Although the exact nature of GamePlanner’s operations remains elusive, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky sheds light on the acquisition’s significance. With a team of 12 experts, Chesky envisions GamePlanner.AI as a powerhouse combining AI and design proficiency to shape AI-driven experiences, functioning akin to an AI-focused consultancy
Chesky emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in reshaping our world and underscores the need for responsible integration. He articulates that the GamePlanner team will play a pivotal role in accelerating specific AI projects while seamlessly integrating their tooling into Airbnb’s platform. Chesky’s vision aligns with the company’s commitment to harness AI in a manner that enhances, rather than diminishes, the human experience.
This acquisition marks a milestone for Airbnb, being its first since 2019 and notably its maiden acquisition as a public entity. Chesky’s strategic alignment with GamePlanner.AI reflects his earnest desire to propel Airbnb into the AI frontier. His recent pronouncements underscore a vision of leveraging generative AI to construct a personalized “travel concierge” that evolves in sync with individual travelers.
As the collaboration between Airbnb and GamePlanner.AI unfolds, it signifies a significant stride in the integration of AI within the travel and hospitality industry. The potential outcome holds promise for the development of innovative interfaces and practical AI applications, reinforcing Airbnb’s position as a pioneer in human-centric technology.
