Airbnb (Air mattresses for conferences)
Good: Solved a real, immediate problem (hotel shortage during conferences), was low-cost for travelers, and created a community vibe.
Lacking: Too niche (only useful during specific events), limited scalability beyond conference attendees, and carried a “couch surfing” stigma that limited its appeal to a broader market.
The Pivot: Broadened the concept from just air mattresses during events to offering unique spaces (rooms, apartments, entire houses) to all types of travelers at any time. This shift tapped into the massive global travel market, offering an authentic, often cheaper, alternative to hotels.
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