The Upstarts: Uber, Airbnb and the Battle for the New Silicon Valley

Airbnb became the biggest hotel company on the planet within 8 years of starting, yet is possesses no actual hotel rooms. Uber is among the world’s largest car services yet it does not own any vehicles or employ any professional drivers. Both businesses were enabled by Steve Jobs decision to allow Apps on the iphone. Uber depends upon Google Maps for navigation. They both appeal to the young and computer literate. Yet Brian Chesky and Travis Kalanick, CEO’s of Airbnb and Uber, have not disrupted their respective industries by clever IT alone in the pattern to previous dot com wonders like Google and Facebook. Yes, they have raised multiple millions whilst continuing to trade at astounding losses. Yes, they have positioned their companies in the context of dramatic progress for humanity. But they have aggressively taken on what they regard as vested interests, and methodically entered each individual city and recruited armies of engineers, drivers, hosts, lobbyists and lawmakers to their ventures. Both companies experience has been marked by nonstop controversy. Uber aggressively challenged restrictions, licensing and fierce resistance from authorities and taxi companies in every city in which they launched. They sidestepped laws requiring rigorous driver training and government licences. Airbnb attempted to be more conciliatory with hotel authorities as they encountered laws in every city designed to thwart illegal hoteliers. But in Nathan Blecharczyk they had one of the best on line marketeers the world has ever seen or a nefarious “black hat” operator depending upon your viewpoint. Both companies undercut prices of existing operations whist avoiding taxes and continuing t operate at losses no conventional business can sustain. Both companies put enormous resources into public relations. Travis’s Law was coined “Our product was so superior to the status quo that if we give people the opportunity to see it or try it, in any place in the world where government has to be at least somewhat responsive to the people, they will demand it and defend its right to exist” Brad Stone tells the story in a compelling , yet objective way, of how both companies have broken the mould in their respective industries..He fairly describes the uneven playing field and dubious practices as well as the sheer bottle, hardwork and impressive organisation of the two companies. Will they ever become viable? We shall see.

I stumbled on this book and didn’t regret, fascinating insights interesting the upstarts and how dis similar paths were so connected. Great overview of how these businesses became who they are today

Well written and enjoyable storytelling. Did a good job weaving the stories of two seperate companies into a single narrative. Would have been good to get an expanded view of the initial trough of sorrow period though, rather than an even weighing to all periods of the company history. But that's just a personal preference as I found that chapter the most interesting by far. All in all a good read.

Another great read from Brad Stone. Really enjoying The Upstarts just as much as The Everything Store. Brad Stone always provide a compelling narrative with great research. The in depth interviews provide real texture to the story line which always moves at pace. A must for all interested in Corporate Strategy and Digital Disruption JKA

Interesting story. It truly dismistify Uber and Airbnb business. Easy to read and engaging

Overall enjoyed this book very much! Brad Stone is an eloquent writer who draws out the stories of AirBnB and Uber in an engaging manner. Although what eventually happens to these start-ups is well-known, this book still sheds a lot of light on their backstories and challenges. You will be surprised with how compelling Brad Stone's narrative is!

The Upstarts is a great expose of the founders of Airbnb and Uber and has great analysis of the companies' brands and public perception. A good quick read like The Everything Store, but not as great a story to be told, yet. It is too soon to write about these companies. Brad Stone also reads slightly too generously about them, are they really changing the world? (they will, but not yet) and it feels more like how Kalanick and Chesky want to be portrayed than how reality is: they cannot be this naive about the consequences of their companies. A more critical review might have hit harder. Ultimately, the book has left me more informed about the debate involving Uber and Airbnb, but no more enlightened as to how I feel about it.

This is a good read if you want the story of the rise of Uber and AirBnB. Interesting to see the characters behind the scenes. Highly recommended.