Joe Gebbia is an American billionaire designer and entrepreneur, born on August 21, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia.
He is the co-founder of Airbnb, a peer-to-peer room and home rental company, along with Brian Chesky and Nathan Blecharczyk.
Gebbia is known for his passion for aesthetic and design, music and athletics.
He attended the Rhode Island School of Design, where he double majored in graphic design and industrial design.
Gebbia credits Charles and Ray Eames and the Bauhaus movement for his approach to design.Â
He has received numerous distinctions such as the Inc 30 under 30, and has spoken globally about both entrepreneurship and design, including at TED, Wired and the Clinton Global Initiative.
Gebbia is also a board member of Rhode Island School of Design, Airbnb, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Tesla, Inc. and Samara.
Age, height and weight
Gebbia was born on August 21, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia, which makes him 42 years old as of February 2024.
He is approximately 1.70 to 1.71 meters (5’7″ to 5’7.5″) tall and weighs around 72 kilograms (158 pounds).
Ethnicity and nationality
Gebbia is an American national of Italian ancestry.
He was born to parents of Italian heritage.
His grandfather’s heritage is traced back to Italy and Ireland and his parents are from New York.
Parents and siblings
Gebbia’s parents are Eileen Vitrano and Joseph Gebbia, and he has one sister named Kimberly.
He was brought up in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and followed sports, music and human expression throughout his childhood.
Wife: Is Joe Gebbia married?
Gebbia’s wife is Isabelle Boemeke.
There has been speculation about their marriage, particularly after they attended the Met Gala together in 2022.
Isabelle Boemeke is known for her work in the fashion industry, and her relationship with Gebbia has drawn public attention.
Career
Gebbia is best known as the co-founder of Airbnb.
He pursued sports, music and art throughout his childhood and worked several jobs, including as a ball boy for the Atlanta Hawks.
Gebbia attended the Rhode Island School of Design, where he double majored in graphic design and industrial design.
After graduating, he moved to San Francisco to work as a designer for Chronicle Books.
In 2007, he and his roommate Brian Chesky founded Airbnb, a peer-to-peer room and home rental company, which has since become a global phenomenon of hospitality, human connectivity and economic stimulation.
Gebbia is known for his passion for aesthetic and design, music and athletics.Â
He has received numerous distinctions such as the Inc 30 under 30, and has spoken globally about both entrepreneurship and design, including at TED, Wired and the Clinton Global Initiative.
Gebbia is also a board member of Rhode Island School of Design, Airbnb, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Tesla, Inc. and Samara.
How much of Airbnb does Joe Gebbia own?
Gebbia has sold over $1 billion of stock in the company.
Since stepping down from his full-time role at Airbnb, he has been selling shares at a steady pace, offloading more than $1 billion worth since July 2023.
As of the most recent information, he remains on the company’s board.
Gebbia’s current ownership stake in Airbnb is not publicly disclosed, but his stock sales indicate a significant reduction in his ownership position.
How did Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia meet?
Chesky and Gebbia met when they became roommates in San Francisco in 2007.
This living arrangement ultimately led to the founding of Airbnb, as they decided to welcome conference attendees into their home when local hotels were fully booked.
This marked the beginning of their journey towards creating one of the world’s most successful and innovative hospitality companies.
What does Joe Gebbia do now?
Gebbia is currently involved in various professional endeavors.
He serves as the Chairman of Airbnb.org, an independently operated 501(c)3 organization that helps connect those in crisis with a place to stay, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the global refugee crisis.
Additionally, Gebbia has been involved in documentary work, serving as an executive producer on the film Universe, which follows jazz trumpeter Wallace Roney, a protégé of Miles Davis.
Furthermore, he continues to be a prominent figure in the business world, serving on high-profile boards such as Microsoft and Nike Inc.
Net worth
Gebbia’s net worth has been a topic of varying figures.
According to Forbes, his real-time net worth is $8.8 billion as of February 6, 2024, ranking him 263rd in the world.
Similarly, Fortune reported that he has a fortune of $8.8 billion and has added $2.9 billion in wealth in 2023, largely due to the 70% gain in Airbnb’s shares.
On the other hand, Celebrity Net Worth and Healthyton both state that his net worth is $7 billion.
The varying figures may be due to the fluctuating value of his assets and stock holdings.
FAQ
What inspired Joe Gebbia to co-found Airbnb?
Gebbia’s passion for design and the desire to solve the problem of expensive accommodation during a design conference led to the creation of Airbnb.
How has Joe Gebbia’s design background influenced Airbnb’s success?
His design expertise has been integral to shaping Airbnb’s user experience, from the website to the app and creating a sense of trust and belonging for users.
What are Joe Gebbia’s philanthropic contributions outside of Airbnb?
Gebbia has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including launching his own collection of modular office furniture, called Neighborhood, and serving as an executive producer on the documentary film Universe.
How does Joe Gebbia balance his entrepreneurial pursuits with his passion for design and the arts?
He has demonstrated a commitment to both entrepreneurship and the arts, convening an orchestra to perform a rediscovered orchestral jazz suite by Wayne Shorter and launching design-related projects.
What are the key lessons aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from Joe Gebbia’s journey with Airbnb?
Gebbia’s entrepreneurial journey offers insights into the importance of creativity, resilience and creating a strong sense of community within a business.
How has Joe Gebbia’s Italian heritage influenced his approach to design and entrepreneurship?
His Italian ancestry has played a role in shaping his design sensibilities and his commitment to creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.
What are Joe Gebbia’s future plans and aspirations beyond his current roles?
While Gebbia’s current focus is on his various professional endeavors, his future plans and aspirations remain a topic of interest and speculation.
How does Joe Gebbia’s leadership style contribute to Airbnb’s ongoing success and innovation?
His leadership style is characterized by a focus on creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to fostering a culture of innovation within Airbnb.
What are the most significant challenges Joe Gebbia has faced in his career, and how has he overcome them?
Gebbia has faced various challenges throughout his career, including navigating the competitive business landscape and overcoming obstacles in the early stages of Airbnb’s development.
