Brian Chesky is an American entrepreneur and industrial designer best known as the co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, a revolutionary online platform that has reshaped the travel and hospitality industries. He is widely regarded as a key figure in the rise of the sharing economy, using technology to connect travelers with unique lodging experiences worldwide.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Brian Joseph Chesky |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 29, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Niskayuna, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Partner | Elissa Patel Waverly |
| Children | Not publicly known |
| Occupations | Entrepreneur, Industrial Designer, CEO of Airbnb |
| Net Worth | Approximately $9 billion (2025) |
Early Life and Education
Born on August 29, 1981, in Niskayuna, New York, Brian Chesky grew up in a family of social workers—his parents Deborah and Robert Chesky. He has a younger sister named Allison.
From an early age, Chesky showed a strong interest in art and design, often dedicating time to drawing and redesigning everyday objects.
He pursued his passion by enrolling at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design in 2004. During his time at RISD, he also served as captain of the hockey team and met Joe Gebbia, who would later become his business partner.
Career
After college, Chesky worked as an industrial designer in Los Angeles, creating products ranging from toys to medical devices.
In 2007, he relocated to San Francisco to collaborate with Joe Gebbia. Facing financial challenges, they decided to rent out air mattresses in their apartment during a design conference, offering guests a place to stay and breakfast. This idea sparked the creation of Airbnb in 2008, with Nathan Blecharczyk joining as the third co-founder.
Chesky took on the role of CEO and was instrumental in transforming Airbnb from a small startup into a global hospitality giant.
Early on, the founders creatively marketed their concept by producing limited-edition cereal boxes called “Obama O’s” and “Cap’n McCains,” which helped them raise initial funds and gain entry into the Y Combinator accelerator program.
Under Chesky’s leadership, Airbnb expanded rapidly across the globe and successfully went public in December 2020. He is known for his hands-on leadership style and dedication to understanding and improving the user experience.
Personal Life
Brian Chesky tends to keep his private life out of the spotlight. He is in a relationship with Elissa Patel Waverly, an artist and entrepreneur. The couple has been seen together at various design and philanthropic events. As of 2025, Chesky has no publicly known children.
Net Worth
As of late 2024, Brian Chesky’s net worth is estimated at approximately $13 billion, placing him among the wealthiest figures in the tech industry.
Awards and Recognitions
Chesky’s achievements have earned him significant recognition. In 2015, Forbes included him on its list of America’s Richest Entrepreneurs Under 40, and Time magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People.
That same year, President Barack Obama appointed him as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship.
Chesky was also featured in Fortune’s “World’s Greatest Leaders” in 2017 and received an honorary doctorate from RISD.
In 2018, he was honored as the Bay Area Executive of the Year, and in 2022, the International Hospitality Institute listed him among the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality.
Beyond business, Chesky is a committed philanthropist. He has pledged to give away a significant portion of his wealth through the Giving Pledge and has donated $100 million to the Obama Foundation’s Voyager Scholarship program, supporting education and public service.
