As his PAGE Signature Initiative, Brian Chesky is working to expand Cuba’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through increased internet and online literacy; practical education in areas including photography, art, and marketing; and the introduction of online payment systems to support Cuban entrepreneurs. Airbnb's business has continued to grow in Cuba, with over 5,000 listings in the country. Guests from all 50 states have stayed with Airbnb in Cuba since the company launched there in April 2015.

Brian traveled to Cuba on President Obama's historic visit in March 2016, where he met with local entrepreneurs, spoke at an entrepreneurship event hosted by the White House, and met with Airbnb hosts in Havana. Airbnb has also hosted a group of Cuban entrepreneurs at their offices, and engaged in mentoring sessions on social media, data, and engineering.

Additionally, through Airbnb’s global community and footprint, Airbnb is providing lodging and meeting-space opportunities at global events for entrepreneurs to enhance collaboration and partnerships. Airbnb has partnered with various organizations like Vital Voices and the Global Fund for Women to support mission-critical travel for women leaders and activists to attend trainings, convenings, and speaking engagements across the globe.

BIO

Brian Chesky (official biography) is the co-founder and CEO at Airbnb. He drives the company's vision, strategy and growth as it provides interesting and unique ways for people to travel and changes the lives of its community. Under Brian's leadership, Airbnb stands at the forefront of the sharing economy, and has expanded to over 1,000,000 listings in 190 countries. Brian met co-founder Joe Gebbia at the Rhode Island School of Design where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in industrial design.