Airbnb Acquires Secretive AI Startup Co-Founded by Siri Co-Founder: A Game-Changing Move in Tech
Airbnb acquires GamePlanner.AI, an AI startup co-founded by Siri creator Adam Cheyer and Siamak Hodjat, for an estimated $200 million, expanding its AI capabilities.
Aadit Sheth
November 15, 2023
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In a significant development in the tech world, Airbnb announced its acquisition of GamePlanner.AI, a new and relatively secretive AI startup. According to reports from CNBC, the deal is valued at approximately $200 million, although this figure remains unconfirmed by TechCrunch as of the time of their report.
GamePlanner.AI, under the co-founder stewardship of Adam Cheyer and Siamak Hodjat, brings a rich legacy of innovation in AI technology. Cheyer is renowned for his role in creating Siri, the groundbreaking AI assistant that was acquired by Apple and integrated into its suite of technology services. Hodjat, who previously collaborated with Cheyer at Viv Labs, contributed significantly to the AI domain. Viv Labs' technology formed the foundation for Samsung's AI assistant, Bixby, launched in 2017.
GamePlanner.AI: A Stealth Mode Startup with a Vision for AI
While specific details about GamePlanner.AI's operations remain undisclosed, it's evident that the startup operates in stealth mode, lacking a significant web presence. The company's co-founders, Adam Cheyer and Siamak Hodjat, bring a wealth of experience in AI development, with Cheyer being a pivotal figure in the creation of Apple's Siri and Hodjat's involvement in Viv Labs, which Samsung acquired to develop its Bixby AI assistant.
Airbnb's AI Ambitions: Crafting Human-Centric AI Experiences
Airbnb's acquisition of GamePlanner.AI aligns with its CEO Brian Chesky's vision of positively creating AI-driven experiences that augment humanity. Chesky emphasizes the importance of developing interfaces and practical applications that leverage AI technology and resonate with Airbnb's humanistic approach. This acquisition could accelerate Airbnb's AI projects, including integrating generative AI to develop a travel concierge that adapts to travelers' needs.
Potential Impacts and Future Directions
This strategic acquisition could propel Airbnb to the forefront of the AI-driven hospitality sector, offering innovative, personalized experiences to its users. The combination of GamePlanner.AI's AI expertise and Airbnb's platform might lead to groundbreaking developments in how travelers plan and experience their journeys. Furthermore, this move signals Airbnb's readiness to operate at the intersection of AI technology and human-centric services, potentially setting new standards in the hospitality industry.
In summary, Airbnb's acquisition of GamePlanner.AI underscores the company's commitment to AI innovation. It reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where AI is becoming a critical component in enhancing user experiences. This move could redefine the travel and hospitality landscape, making Airbnb a key player in the AI space.