Crashpadder sold to US rival Airbnb

Accommodation website Crashpadder has been sold to US rival Airbnb for an undisclosed sum.

Crashpadder’s community will merge with Airbnb’s and its listings will be bookable through Airbnb.

Crashpadder accommodation hosts choosing to join Airbnb’s community will be able to use offerings such as a £30,000 host guarantee, a 24 hour helpline and free professional photography.

The acquisition follows Airbnb securing almost $120 million in funding last July and claimed growth in the UK of 748% in 2011.

Co-founder and chief executive Brian Chesky said: “We knew that London was going to be a major focus for us in 2012 with the Olympics on the horizon.

“Now, with the addition of the Crashpadder community we are making huge strides to ensure that thousands of Olympic visitors will have a unique and local experience as Londoners open their door to the world during the games and beyond.”

Stephen Rapoport, founder and chief executive of Crashpadder said: “We’ve spent the past three years working to create a business that our community loves, and we could not have found a better home for them than Airbnb.

“I’m excited about the new features that will be available to our users and hope they are as excited by this news as I am.”