It is considered the largest gay-focused booking app in the world.[6] It launched a tool that helps LGBTQ+ users to connect.[citation needed]
misterb&b supports LGBTQ+ NGOs through its initiative "Mister for Good".[7][8][9]
History and formation
misterb&b started as a combination of gay travel website myGayTrip and short-term apartment rental service, Sejourning.[10]
Co-founder Matthieu Jost had used services like Airbnb with mixed results. Jost suggested that it was difficult to screen potential hosts to see if they might be gay-friendly. After several uncomfortable experiences, Jost looked into starting a gay-friendly alternative.[citation needed]
The misterb&b website was launched in the spring of 2014.[11]
In 2014, the site was temporarily blocked by Gogo, an in-flight Wifi service.[12]
By 2015, misterb&b had 55,000 hosts in over 130 countries.[13] By 2023 misterb&b partnered with over 200,000 cities worldwide.[7]
The company was selected for and participated in 500 Startups, one of the largest early-stage accelerators in the world.[14]
In May 2015, it was selected by The Next Web as one of the top notable startups from the accelerator. The company also raised $2 million in seed funding at that time.[14]
As of February 2019, the site had over 200,000 properties in 135 countries with total funding of $13.5 million.[citation needed]
As of August 2019, it had over 300,000 hosts in over 135 countries.[16]
It has been selected to join Expedia Group accelerator program to help underserved communities travel more easily across the world.[17][18]
misterb&b launched Weere to help the LGBTQ community connect with locals and travelers at their destination or from home through shared interests, custom profiles, and real-time moods.[citation needed]Weere is a social hub for building relationships (friends or dates), participating in activities, or gay couch hopping with the global LGBTQ+ community.[19]
Operation
The main function of the website is to match prospective LGBT travelers with LGBT-friendly hosts worldwide.[citation needed]
The website encourages its hosts to make their apartments or rooms available during major LGBT events in their city. It also acts as a social networking service, travel guide, and online community for gay travelers.
There is no charge for posting an apartment or room for rent on misterb&b, but the site charges in average 10% on room fare from the host and in average 14% of the final bill from the guest.
Users can search using a number of parameters in their desired city. Some of these parameters include: willingness to accept pets, the choice between gay or simply straight allies, and an option for seeking out "unusual" apartments or rooms.[10][20]
misterb&b reported that 60% of its hosts in Paris do not use other sharing accommodation websites.[14] It also provides curated hotels on the platform and tools to help members stay safe such as misterb&b gift cards.[21]
There has been a misconception that the service promotes a hookup culture.[22]
Misterb&b encourages forming friendships between hosts and guests.[23][24]
It offers a loyalty program.[2] It also has safety features such as identity verification.[25][26]
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