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== History ==
== History ==
Wimdu was registered as a limited company ([[Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung]]) in March 2011.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.unternehmensregister.de/ | title = Wimdu GmbH | website = Company Register | publisher = [[Bundesanzeiger]] | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Arne Bleckwenn and Hinrich Dreiling, the founders of Wimdu, have founded and managed several other startups before.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/datenbank/koepfe/arne-bleckwenn | title = Arne Bleckwenn | language = de | website = gruenderszene.de | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/datenbank/koepfe/hinrich-dreiling | title = Hinrich Dreiling | language = de | website = gruenderszene.de | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Shortly after Wimdu launched, the company received a funding of [[United States dollar|$]]90 million from [[Investment AB Kinnevik|Kinnevik]] and [[Rocket Internet]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.deutsche-startups.de/2011/06/15/zimmerdreikampf-wimdu-sammelt-90-millionen-us-dollar-ein/ | website = deutsche-startups.de | language = de | author = Alexander Hüsing | date = {{date|2011-06-15|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | title = Zimmerdreikampf: Wimdu sammelt 90 Millionen US-Dollar ein}}</ref> At this time, this was the largest investment in a [[Europe|European]] startup ever.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://blogs.faz.net/netzwirtschaft-blog/2011/06/15/wohnungsvermittler-wimdu-erhaelt-90-millionen-euro-finanzspritze-2630/ | title = Rekord: Start-Up Wimdu erhält 90 Millionen Dollar Finanzspritze | author = Holger Schmidt | language = de | date = {{date|2011-06-15|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | website = [[Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung]]}}</ref> [[WirtschaftsWoche]] rated Wimdu among the most important startups of 2011.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wiwo.de/erfolg/gruender/gruender-die-wichtigsten-startups/6004382.html | title = Gründer: Die wichtigsten Startups | language = de}}</ref> Online for less than 100 days, Wimdu already offered 10,000 accommodations in 150 cities. The company had 400 employees and 15 offices.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/samwer-brueder-der-naechste-angriff-der-klonkrieger/5156346.html | title = Samwer-Brüder: Der nächste Angriff der Klonkrieger | language = de | website = [[WirtschaftsWoche]] | date = {{date|2011-06-17|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | author = Oliver Voß}}</ref> Because the [[China|Chinese]] market is different, Wimdu started a spin-off business there called Airizu.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eu-startups.com/2011/05/wimdu-enters-the-chinese-market-with-airizu/ | website = eu-startups.com | date = {{date|2011-05-10|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | title = Wimdu enters the Chinese market with Airizu | author = Thomas Ohr}}</ref> Shortly after the launch of Wimdu, [[Airbnb]] publicity criticized the business model.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://techcrunch.com/2011/06/09/airbnb/ | title = Airbnb Freaks Out Over Samwer Clones | website = TechCrunch | author = Alexia Tsotsis | date = {{date|2011-06-09|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Nevertheless, Airbnb considered an acquisition of Wimdu,<ref>{{cite book | language = de | author = Joel Kaczmarek | title = Die Paten des Internets | publisher = FinanzBuch Verlag | location = Munich | year = 2014 | page = 397 | isbn = 978-3-86248-353-2 | edition = 3rd}}</ref> but finally decided against it.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/11/brian-chesky-talks-about-why-airbnb-didnt-european-clone-wimdu-global-growth-and-more/ | title = Brian Chesky Talks About Why Airbnb Didn’t Acquire European Clone Wimdu, Global Growth And More | website = TechCrunch | author = Leena Rao | date = {{date|2013-10-11|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | language = de | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/allgemein/wimdu-airbnb | title = Airbnb hätte beinahe Wimdu übernommen | website = gruenderszene.de | author = Georg Räth | date = {{date|2013-10-14|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref>
Wimdu was registered as a limited company ([[Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung]]) in March 2011.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.unternehmensregister.de/ | title = Wimdu GmbH | website = Company Register | publisher = [[Bundesanzeiger]] | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Arne Bleckwenn and Hinrich Dreiling, the founders of Wimdu, have founded and managed several other startups before.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/datenbank/koepfe/arne-bleckwenn | title = Arne Bleckwenn | language = de | website = gruenderszene.de | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/datenbank/koepfe/hinrich-dreiling | title = Hinrich Dreiling | language = de | website = gruenderszene.de | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Shortly after Wimdu launched, the company received a funding of [[United States dollar|$]]90 million from [[Investment AB Kinnevik|Kinnevik]] and [[Rocket Internet]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.deutsche-startups.de/2011/06/15/zimmerdreikampf-wimdu-sammelt-90-millionen-us-dollar-ein/ | website = deutsche-startups.de | language = de | author = Alexander Hüsing | date = {{date|2011-06-15|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | title = Zimmerdreikampf: Wimdu sammelt 90 Millionen US-Dollar ein}}</ref> At this time, this was the largest investment in a [[Europe]]an startup ever.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://blogs.faz.net/netzwirtschaft-blog/2011/06/15/wohnungsvermittler-wimdu-erhaelt-90-millionen-euro-finanzspritze-2630/ | title = Rekord: Start-Up Wimdu erhält 90 Millionen Dollar Finanzspritze | author = Holger Schmidt | language = de | date = {{date|2011-06-15|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | website = [[Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung]]}}</ref> [[WirtschaftsWoche]] rated Wimdu among the most important startups of 2011.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wiwo.de/erfolg/gruender/gruender-die-wichtigsten-startups/6004382.html | title = Gründer: Die wichtigsten Startups | language = de}}</ref> Online for less than 100 days, Wimdu already offered 10,000 accommodations in 150 cities. The company had 400 employees and 15 offices.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/samwer-brueder-der-naechste-angriff-der-klonkrieger/5156346.html | title = Samwer-Brüder: Der nächste Angriff der Klonkrieger | language = de | website = [[WirtschaftsWoche]] | date = {{date|2011-06-17|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | author = Oliver Voß}}</ref> Because the [[China|Chinese]] market is different, Wimdu started a spin-off business there called Airizu.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eu-startups.com/2011/05/wimdu-enters-the-chinese-market-with-airizu/ | website = eu-startups.com | date = {{date|2011-05-10|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | title = Wimdu enters the Chinese market with Airizu | author = Thomas Ohr}}</ref> Shortly after the launch of Wimdu, [[Airbnb]] publicity criticized the business model.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://techcrunch.com/2011/06/09/airbnb/ | title = Airbnb Freaks Out Over Samwer Clones | website = TechCrunch | author = Alexia Tsotsis | date = {{date|2011-06-09|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Nevertheless, Airbnb considered an acquisition of Wimdu,<ref>{{cite book | language = de | author = Joel Kaczmarek | title = Die Paten des Internets | publisher = FinanzBuch Verlag | location = Munich | year = 2014 | page = 397 | isbn = 978-3-86248-353-2 | edition = 3rd}}</ref> but finally decided against it.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/11/brian-chesky-talks-about-why-airbnb-didnt-european-clone-wimdu-global-growth-and-more/ | title = Brian Chesky Talks About Why Airbnb Didn’t Acquire European Clone Wimdu, Global Growth And More | website = TechCrunch | author = Leena Rao | date = {{date|2013-10-11|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | language = de | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/allgemein/wimdu-airbnb | title = Airbnb hätte beinahe Wimdu übernommen | website = gruenderszene.de | author = Georg Räth | date = {{date|2013-10-14|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref>


By 2012, Wimdu claimed to be the biggest social accommodation website from Europe.<ref>{{cite web | website = The Heureka | url = http://theheureka.com/wimdu-vs-airbnb-the-battle-for-europe-hots-up-ahead-of-london-2012-olympics | title = Wimdu vs Airbnb – the battle for Europe hots up ahead of London 2012 Olympics}}</ref> After the first year in business, Wimdu gained [[Revenue#Business revenue|booking revenues]] of $6.6 million per month and expected more than $100 million for the whole year 2012.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/03/22/after-one-year-airbnb-rival-wimdu-is-big-how-big-132-million-a-year-big/ | title = After one year, Airbnb rival Wimdu is big. How big? $132 million a year big | website = The Next Web | author = Robin Wauters | date = {{date|2012-03-22|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | date = {{date|2012-03-22|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | title = Wimdu gibt erstmals Zahlen bekannt | website = gruenderszene.de | author = Joel Kaczmarek | language = de}}</ref> Later that year, the company fundamentally changed its growth strategy: Activities of international offices were reduced, some employees moved back to the Berlin headquarters.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/news/wimdu-internationale-bueros | website = gruenderszene.de | title = Wimdu streicht internationale Büros zusammen | author = Alex Hofmann | date = {{date|2012-09-19|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | language = de}}</ref> The media reported that the [[restructuring]] was due to rising costs incurred by rapid growth.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://theheureka.com/wimdu-confirms-restructure-berlin | website = The Heureka | title = Airbnb rival Wimdu confirms cuts to international offices, refocus on Berlin | author = Alex Hofmann | date = {{date|2012-09-20|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> 2013, Wimdu closed its China subsidiary Airizu, now doing business there under their main brand.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://thenextweb.com/asia/2013/07/12/rocket-internet-has-reportedly-shuttered-airizu-its-struggling-airbnb-clone-in-china/ | website = [[The Next Web]] | title = Rocket Internet has reportedly shuttered Airizu, its struggling Airbnb clone in China | author = Josh Horwitz | date = {{date|2013-07-12|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> When it comes to Germany in particular, peer-to-peer property rental companies faced new regulatory requirements beginning 2013.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = Die Welt | title = Die Jagd auf die Untervermieter | language = de | author = Isabell Prophet | date = {{date|2013-10-25|mdy}} | page = 30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | website = [[Die Zeit]] | url = http://www.zeit.de/reisen/2013-11/airbnb-9flats-new-york-berlin | title = Auch deutsche Wohnplattformen sollen Daten herausgeben | language = de | author = Frida Thurm | date = {{date|2013-11-27|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> While competitors like [[9flats]] left Berlin,<ref>{{cite news | title = Nach Verbot von Ferienwohnungen gibt Vermittler 9flats in Berlin auf | language = de | newspaper = [[Berliner Morgenpost]] | date = {{date|2013-11-27|mdy}} | page = 6}}</ref> Wimdu continued its operations there.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://theheureka.com/9flats-office-closure-berlin | website = The Heureka | title = Airbnb rival 9flats shuts down office in Berlin | date = {{date|2013-11-27|mdy}} | author = Magdalena Räth | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref>
By 2012, Wimdu claimed to be the biggest social accommodation website from Europe.<ref>{{cite web | website = The Heureka | url = http://theheureka.com/wimdu-vs-airbnb-the-battle-for-europe-hots-up-ahead-of-london-2012-olympics | title = Wimdu vs Airbnb – the battle for Europe hots up ahead of London 2012 Olympics}}</ref> After the first year in business, Wimdu gained [[Revenue#Business revenue|booking revenues]] of $6.6 million per month and expected more than $100 million for the whole year 2012.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/03/22/after-one-year-airbnb-rival-wimdu-is-big-how-big-132-million-a-year-big/ | title = After one year, Airbnb rival Wimdu is big. How big? $132 million a year big | website = The Next Web | author = Robin Wauters | date = {{date|2012-03-22|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | date = {{date|2012-03-22|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | title = Wimdu gibt erstmals Zahlen bekannt | website = gruenderszene.de | author = Joel Kaczmarek | language = de}}</ref> Later that year, the company fundamentally changed its growth strategy: Activities of international offices were reduced, some employees moved back to the Berlin headquarters.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/news/wimdu-internationale-bueros | website = gruenderszene.de | title = Wimdu streicht internationale Büros zusammen | author = Alex Hofmann | date = {{date|2012-09-19|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | language = de}}</ref> The media reported that the [[restructuring]] was due to rising costs incurred by rapid growth.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://theheureka.com/wimdu-confirms-restructure-berlin | website = The Heureka | title = Airbnb rival Wimdu confirms cuts to international offices, refocus on Berlin | author = Alex Hofmann | date = {{date|2012-09-20|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> 2013, Wimdu closed its China subsidiary Airizu, now doing business there under their main brand.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://thenextweb.com/asia/2013/07/12/rocket-internet-has-reportedly-shuttered-airizu-its-struggling-airbnb-clone-in-china/ | website = [[The Next Web]] | title = Rocket Internet has reportedly shuttered Airizu, its struggling Airbnb clone in China | author = Josh Horwitz | date = {{date|2013-07-12|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> When it comes to Germany in particular, peer-to-peer property rental companies faced new regulatory requirements beginning 2013.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = Die Welt | title = Die Jagd auf die Untervermieter | language = de | author = Isabell Prophet | date = {{date|2013-10-25|mdy}} | page = 30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | website = [[Die Zeit]] | url = http://www.zeit.de/reisen/2013-11/airbnb-9flats-new-york-berlin | title = Auch deutsche Wohnplattformen sollen Daten herausgeben | language = de | author = Frida Thurm | date = {{date|2013-11-27|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> While competitors like [[9flats]] left Berlin,<ref>{{cite news | title = Nach Verbot von Ferienwohnungen gibt Vermittler 9flats in Berlin auf | language = de | newspaper = [[Berliner Morgenpost]] | date = {{date|2013-11-27|mdy}} | page = 6}}</ref> Wimdu continued its operations there.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://theheureka.com/9flats-office-closure-berlin | website = The Heureka | title = Airbnb rival 9flats shuts down office in Berlin | date = {{date|2013-11-27|mdy}} | author = Magdalena Räth | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref>


By June 2013, Wimdu offered 100,000 accommodations in 150 countries.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = [[Kronen Zeitung]] | title = Mit Wimdu günstig nächtigen | date = {{date|2013-06-09|mdy}} | page = 10 | language = de}}</ref> The same year, media reported that [[Rocket Internet]] occasionally wanted to sell Wimdu.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/news/wimdu-verkauf-gescheitert | language = de | title = Wimdu findet keine Abnehmer | website = gruenderszene.de | date = {{date|2013-01-29|mdy}} | author = Magdalena Räth}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | language = de | website = [[The Wall Street Journal]] | url = http://www.wsj.de/nachrichten/SB10001424127887323375204578271770292848306 | title = Samwer-Brüder werden Wimdu nicht los | author = Stephan Dörner | date = {{date|2013-01-29|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> In October 2014, the founders Arne Bleckwenn and Hinrich Dreiling left Wimdu at their own request.<ref>{{cite web | language = de | title = Bleckwenn und Dreiling verlassen Zimmervermittler Wimdu | website = deutsche-startups.de | date = {{date|2014-10-30|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | author = Alexander Hüsing | url = http://www.deutsche-startups.de/2014/10/30/bleckwenn-dreiling-verlassen-wimdu/}}</ref> The management was handed over to Arne Kahlke und Sören Kress,<ref>{{cite web | language = de | website = gruenderszene.de | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/allgemein/wimdu-kahlke-kress | title = Wimdu-Gründer geben Geschäftsführung ab | date = {{date|2014-10-30|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Bleckwenn and Dreiling took a position in the [[advisory board]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.deutsche-startups.de/2014/10/30/bleckwenn-dreiling-verlassen-wimdu/ | website = deutsche-startups.de | language = de | date = {{date|2014-10-30|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | title = Bleckwenn und Dreiling verlassen Zimmervermittler Wimdu | author = Alexander Hüsing}}</ref> Wimdu further expanded its activities at the Berlin headquarters.<ref>{{cite web | language = de | website = deutsche-startups.de | url = http://www.deutsche-startups.de/2014/11/05/wo-mitarbeiter-von-anderen-laendern-traeumen/ | title = Wo Mitarbeiter von anderen Ländern träumen | date = {{date|2014-11-05|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> From 2013 to 2014, Wimdu increased the number of bookings by 31%.<ref>{{cite web | website = eu-startups.com | url = http://www.eu-startups.com/2015/05/5-unexpected-things-rocket-internets-annual-report-for-2014-reveals/ | title = 5 unexpected things Rocket Internet's annual report for 2014 reveals | author = Thomas Ohr | date = {{date|2015-05-06|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> 2015, [[Mediaset]] and [[Wimdu]] signed a [[media for equity]] deal.<ref>{{cite web | website = [[Der Tagesspiegel]] | url = http://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/berlusconi-konzern-schliesst-millionendeal-mediaset-steigt-bei-berliner-zimmervermittler-wimdu-ein/11335740.html | language = de | title = Mediaset steigt bei Berliner Zimmervermittler Wimdu ein | author = Johannes Bockenheimer | date = {{date|2015-02-06|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> The [[Italy|Italian]] [[media conglomerate]] invested million euros in the Berlin company, which received advertising on the Mediaset TV channels in return.<ref>{{cite web | language = de | website = gruenderszene.de | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/allgemein/wimdu-berlusconi-mediaset | title = Wimdu schließt Media-Deal mit Berlusconis Sendergruppe | author = Niklas Wirminghaus | date = {{date|2015-02-05|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> In the following months, Wimdu expanded in [[Italy]], [[Spain]] and other [[Southern Europe|Southern European]] countries.<ref>{{cite web | website = [[Handelsblatt]] | language = de | url = http://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/mittelstand/airbnb-rivale-wimdu-deutsche-urlauber-wollen-keine-katzen/11694982.html | title = Deutsche Urlauber wollen keine Katzen | author = Miriam Schröder | date = {{date|2015-04-28|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> The Mediaset-deal was significant for this.<ref>{{cite web | language = de | url = http://gruenderzeit.morgenpost.de/2015/02/05/berlusconi-konzern-steigt-bei-vermittler-wimdu-ein/ | website = Berliner Morgenpost | title = Berlusconi-Konzern steigt bei Zimmervermittler Wimdu ein | date = {{date|2015-02-05|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://gruender.wiwo.de/wimdu-werbe-deal-mit-berlusconis-mediaset/ | website = WirtschaftsWoche | language = de | title = Wimdu: Werbe-Deal mit Berlusconis Mediaset | author = Lisa Hegemann | date = {{date|2015-02-06|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref>
By June 2013, Wimdu offered 100,000 accommodations in 150 countries.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = [[Kronen Zeitung]] | title = Mit Wimdu günstig nächtigen | date = {{date|2013-06-09|mdy}} | page = 10 | language = de}}</ref> The same year, media reported that [[Rocket Internet]] occasionally wanted to sell Wimdu.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/news/wimdu-verkauf-gescheitert | language = de | title = Wimdu findet keine Abnehmer | website = gruenderszene.de | date = {{date|2013-01-29|mdy}} | author = Magdalena Räth}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | language = de | website = [[The Wall Street Journal]] | url = http://www.wsj.de/nachrichten/SB10001424127887323375204578271770292848306 | title = Samwer-Brüder werden Wimdu nicht los | author = Stephan Dörner | date = {{date|2013-01-29|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> In October 2014, the founders Arne Bleckwenn and Hinrich Dreiling left Wimdu at their own request.<ref>{{cite web | language = de | title = Bleckwenn und Dreiling verlassen Zimmervermittler Wimdu | website = deutsche-startups.de | date = {{date|2014-10-30|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | author = Alexander Hüsing | url = http://www.deutsche-startups.de/2014/10/30/bleckwenn-dreiling-verlassen-wimdu/}}</ref> The management was handed over to Arne Kahlke und Sören Kress,<ref>{{cite web | language = de | website = gruenderszene.de | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/allgemein/wimdu-kahlke-kress | title = Wimdu-Gründer geben Geschäftsführung ab | date = {{date|2014-10-30|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Bleckwenn and Dreiling took a position in the [[advisory board]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.deutsche-startups.de/2014/10/30/bleckwenn-dreiling-verlassen-wimdu/ | website = deutsche-startups.de | language = de | date = {{date|2014-10-30|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | title = Bleckwenn und Dreiling verlassen Zimmervermittler Wimdu | author = Alexander Hüsing}}</ref> Wimdu further expanded its activities at the Berlin headquarters.<ref>{{cite web | language = de | website = deutsche-startups.de | url = http://www.deutsche-startups.de/2014/11/05/wo-mitarbeiter-von-anderen-laendern-traeumen/ | title = Wo Mitarbeiter von anderen Ländern träumen | date = {{date|2014-11-05|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> From 2013 to 2014, Wimdu increased the number of bookings by 31%.<ref>{{cite web | website = eu-startups.com | url = http://www.eu-startups.com/2015/05/5-unexpected-things-rocket-internets-annual-report-for-2014-reveals/ | title = 5 unexpected things Rocket Internet's annual report for 2014 reveals | author = Thomas Ohr | date = {{date|2015-05-06|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> 2015, [[Mediaset]] and Wimdu signed a [[media for equity]] deal.<ref>{{cite web | website = [[Der Tagesspiegel]] | url = http://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/berlusconi-konzern-schliesst-millionendeal-mediaset-steigt-bei-berliner-zimmervermittler-wimdu-ein/11335740.html | language = de | title = Mediaset steigt bei Berliner Zimmervermittler Wimdu ein | author = Johannes Bockenheimer | date = {{date|2015-02-06|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> The [[Italy|Italian]] [[media conglomerate]] invested million euros in the Berlin company, which received advertising on the Mediaset TV channels in return.<ref>{{cite web | language = de | website = gruenderszene.de | url = http://www.gruenderszene.de/allgemein/wimdu-berlusconi-mediaset | title = Wimdu schließt Media-Deal mit Berlusconis Sendergruppe | author = Niklas Wirminghaus | date = {{date|2015-02-05|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> In the following months, Wimdu expanded in [[Italy]], [[Spain]] and other [[Southern Europe]]an countries.<ref>{{cite web | website = [[Handelsblatt]] | language = de | url = http://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/mittelstand/airbnb-rivale-wimdu-deutsche-urlauber-wollen-keine-katzen/11694982.html | title = Deutsche Urlauber wollen keine Katzen | author = Miriam Schröder | date = {{date|2015-04-28|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> The Mediaset-deal was significant for this.<ref>{{cite web | language = de | url = http://gruenderzeit.morgenpost.de/2015/02/05/berlusconi-konzern-steigt-bei-vermittler-wimdu-ein/ | website = Berliner Morgenpost | title = Berlusconi-Konzern steigt bei Zimmervermittler Wimdu ein | date = {{date|2015-02-05|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://gruender.wiwo.de/wimdu-werbe-deal-mit-berlusconis-mediaset/ | website = WirtschaftsWoche | language = de | title = Wimdu: Werbe-Deal mit Berlusconis Mediaset | author = Lisa Hegemann | date = {{date|2015-02-06|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref>


The city of Berlin adopted a law that restricts private apartment rentals.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = [[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]] | title = Wo Berlin uncool ist | language = de | author = Christoph Eisenring | date = {{date|2016-04-16|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.taz.de/Verbot-von-Ferienwohnungen-in-Berlin/!5294782/ | language = de | website = [[Die Tageszeitung]] | title = Jetzt wird es ernst | author1 = Uwe Rada | author3 = Eva Schneider | author2 = Sophie Schmalz | date = {{date|2016-04-24|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> This was primarily due the housing shortage.<ref>{{cite web | website = [[Der Spiegel]] | title = Tourismus: Teilen verboten | author = Janko Tietz | language = de | date = {{date|2013-08-12|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> In April 2016, Wimdu filed a lawsuit against the law, which received a lot of public attention.<ref>{{cite web | language = de | website = Berliner Morgenpost | url = http://www.morgenpost.de/berlin/article207424815/Portal-Wimdu-de-klagt-gegen-Berliner-Ferienwohnungsverbot.html | title = Portal Wimdu.de klagt gegen Berliner Ferienwohnungsverbot | date = {{date|2016-04-14|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | language = de | date = {{date|2016-04-24|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | url = http://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/steuern-recht/recht/wimdu-internetportal-klagt-gegen-ferienwohnungsverbot-in-berlin/13451178.html | title = Internetportal klagt gegen Ferienwohnungsverbot in Berlin | website = Handelsblatt}}</ref> The company argued that the law illegally restricts the fundamental rights of hosts.<ref>{{cite news | title = Online-Portal Wimdu klagt gegen Berlin | language = de | newspaper = [[Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung]] | date = {{date|2016-04-15|mdy}} | page = 9}}</ref> Author of the lawsuit is Helge Sodan, former president of the constitutional court of Berlin.<ref>{{cite news | title = Wimdu verklagt das Land Berlin | language = de | newspaper = [[Berliner Zeitung]] | date = {{date|2016-04-15|mdy}} | author = Uwe Aulich}}</ref> Although the lawsuit will likely be successful,<ref>{{cite news | author = Isabell Jürgens | title = Verbot von Ferienwohnungen könnte verfassungswidrig sein | language = de | newspaper = Die Welt | page = 25 | date = {{date|2015-03-10|mdy}}}}</ref> the [[Senate of Berlin]] continues to support the law.<ref>{{cite news | language = de | newspaper = Berliner Zeitung | author = Uwe Aulich | title = Der Senat bleibt hart | date = {{date|2016-04-18|mdy}}}}</ref> A decision is expected for mid 2016.
The city of Berlin adopted a law that restricts private apartment rentals.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = [[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]] | title = Wo Berlin uncool ist | language = de | author = Christoph Eisenring | date = {{date|2016-04-16|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.taz.de/Verbot-von-Ferienwohnungen-in-Berlin/!5294782/ | language = de | website = [[Die Tageszeitung]] | title = Jetzt wird es ernst | author1 = Uwe Rada | author3 = Eva Schneider | author2 = Sophie Schmalz | date = {{date|2016-04-24|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> This was primarily due the housing shortage.<ref>{{cite web | website = [[Der Spiegel]] | title = Tourismus: Teilen verboten | author = Janko Tietz | language = de | date = {{date|2013-08-12|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> In April 2016, Wimdu filed a lawsuit against the law, which received a lot of public attention.<ref>{{cite web | language = de | website = Berliner Morgenpost | url = http://www.morgenpost.de/berlin/article207424815/Portal-Wimdu-de-klagt-gegen-Berliner-Ferienwohnungsverbot.html | title = Portal Wimdu.de klagt gegen Berliner Ferienwohnungsverbot | date = {{date|2016-04-14|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | language = de | date = {{date|2016-04-24|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | url = http://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/steuern-recht/recht/wimdu-internetportal-klagt-gegen-ferienwohnungsverbot-in-berlin/13451178.html | title = Internetportal klagt gegen Ferienwohnungsverbot in Berlin | website = Handelsblatt}}</ref> The company argued that the law illegally restricts the fundamental rights of hosts.<ref>{{cite news | title = Online-Portal Wimdu klagt gegen Berlin | language = de | newspaper = [[Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung]] | date = {{date|2016-04-15|mdy}} | page = 9}}</ref> Author of the lawsuit is Helge Sodan, former president of the constitutional court of Berlin.<ref>{{cite news | title = Wimdu verklagt das Land Berlin | language = de | newspaper = [[Berliner Zeitung]] | date = {{date|2016-04-15|mdy}} | author = Uwe Aulich}}</ref> Although the lawsuit will likely be successful,<ref>{{cite news | author = Isabell Jürgens | title = Verbot von Ferienwohnungen könnte verfassungswidrig sein | language = de | newspaper = Die Welt | page = 25 | date = {{date|2015-03-10|mdy}}}}</ref> the [[Senate of Berlin]] continues to support the law.<ref>{{cite news | language = de | newspaper = Berliner Zeitung | author = Uwe Aulich | title = Der Senat bleibt hart | date = {{date|2016-04-18|mdy}}}}</ref> A decision is expected for mid 2016.


== Operations ==
== Operations ==
Wimdu is an [[online marketplace]] for private accommodation, similar to [[Airbnb]], [[Jetsetter]], [[HomeAway]] and others.<ref>{{cite web | website = The New York Times | title = 19 Web Sites for Travel Savings in 2012 | author = Michelle Higgins | date = {{date|2012-01-04|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> The service connects guests and hosts worldwide in order to provide an alternative to hotels.<ref name="about us">{{cite web | title = About Wimdu | url = http://www.wimdu.com/aboutus | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> The Wimdu website is available in 15 languages, including [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], [[German language|German]], [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]], for example. Wimdu lists 300,000 properties in 150 countries.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = Allgemeine Hotel- und Gastronomie-Zeitung | title = Teilen ist das neue Reisen | author = Bernhard Brügger, Raphaela Kwidzinski | date = {{date|2015-05-02|mdy}} | pages = 6-7 | language = de}}</ref> There are many different types of properties, including private rooms, apartments, houses, boats and cars. According to [[Tripping.com|Tripping]], Wimdu is the leading European portal for renting [[Apartment#Types and characteristics|city apartments]],<ref>{{cite web | website = [[Tripping.com|Tripping]] | title = Airbnb vs. Wimdu | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> what makes the majority of all properties.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/jun/28/how-to-book-holiday-apartment-online | title = How to find and book a holiday apartment online | website = The Guardian | date = {{date|2013-06-28|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | author = Isabel Choat}}</ref> Also, Wimdu has become increasingly popular for accommodation near famous individuals.<ref>{{cite news | title = Neben echten Stars urlauben | language = de | newspaper = [[Tiroler Tageszeitung]] | date = {{date|2011-08-05|mdy}} | page = 26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | language = de | title = Tür an Tür mit Fashion-Stars | newspaper = [[B.Z. (newspaper)|B.Z.]] | date = {{date|2012-07-22|mdy}} | page = 38}}</ref>
Wimdu is an [[online marketplace]] for private accommodation, similar to [[Airbnb]], [[Jetsetter]], [[HomeAway]] and others.<ref>{{cite web | website = The New York Times | title = 19 Web Sites for Travel Savings in 2012 | author = Michelle Higgins | date = {{date|2012-01-04|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> The service connects guests and hosts worldwide in order to provide an alternative to hotels.<ref name="about us">{{cite web | title = About Wimdu | url = http://www.wimdu.com/aboutus | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> The Wimdu website is available in 15 languages, including [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], [[German language|German]], [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]], for example. Wimdu lists 300,000 properties in 150 countries.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = Allgemeine Hotel- und Gastronomie-Zeitung | title = Teilen ist das neue Reisen | author = Bernhard Brügger, Raphaela Kwidzinski | date = {{date|2015-05-02|mdy}} | pages = 6–7 | language = de}}</ref> There are many different types of properties, including private rooms, apartments, houses, boats and cars. According to [[Tripping.com|Tripping]], Wimdu is the leading European portal for renting [[Apartment#Types and characteristics|city apartments]],<ref>{{cite web | website = [[Tripping.com|Tripping]] | title = Airbnb vs. Wimdu | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> what makes the majority of all properties.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/jun/28/how-to-book-holiday-apartment-online | title = How to find and book a holiday apartment online | website = The Guardian | date = {{date|2013-06-28|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}} | author = Isabel Choat}}</ref> Also, Wimdu has become increasingly popular for accommodation near famous individuals.<ref>{{cite news | title = Neben echten Stars urlauben | language = de | newspaper = [[Tiroler Tageszeitung]] | date = {{date|2011-08-05|mdy}} | page = 26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | language = de | title = Tür an Tür mit Fashion-Stars | newspaper = [[B.Z. (newspaper)|B.Z.]] | date = {{date|2012-07-22|mdy}} | page = 38}}</ref>


Users of the Wimdu website must register a personal [[online identity|online profile]], a valid [[email address]] is required. Alternatively, Wimdu users can log in with an existing [[Facebook]] account. Profiles can be used to rent properties as well as listing own places, there are not different account types for guests and hosts.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = Wimdu | url = http://www.wimdu.com/howitworks-guests | title = How it works for guests | accessdate = {{date|2016-04-10|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | publisher = Wimdu | url = http://www.wimdu.com/howitworks-hosts | title = How it works for hosts | accessdate = {{date|2016-04-10|mdy}}}}</ref> Profiles include [[reviews]] to build [[reputation]] and trust between users of the online marketplace.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/oct/11/airbnb-wimdu-avoid-being-conned | website = [[The Guardian]] | title = Using Airbnb, Wimdu or another social travel site? How to avoid being conned | author = Emma Lunn | date = {{date|2014-10-11|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Any booking on Wimdu requires a fixed commission of 3% for the host and 12% for the guest.<ref>{{cite news | title = In fremden Schlafzimmern | language = de | newspaper = Neue Zürcher Zeitung | date = {{date|2014-01-03|mdy}} | page = 50 | author = Marie-Astrid Langer}}</ref> Wimdu supports different payment methods, including [[credit card]], [[direct debit]], [[wire transfer]] and [[PayPal]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.daserste.de/information/ratgeber-service/auto-reise-verkehr/sendung/sr/2012/zimmerportale-100.html | title = Was taugen die Zimmerportale im Internet? | language = de | website = [[Das Erste]] | publisher = [[Saarländischer Rundfunk]] | date = {{date|2013-09-13|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> For security purposes, all payments are held back for 24 hours after [[check-in]], so that guests can check their accommodation for problems.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tnooz.com/article/wimdu-to-check-in-with-global-insurance-traveller-protection-to-follow/ | title = Wimdu to check-in with global insurance, traveller protection to follow | website = tnooz.com | date = {{date|2011-08-24|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Beside the Wimdu website, there are guest and host apps for [[iOS]] devices,<ref>{{cite web | title = iTunes Preview | website = [[App Store (iOS)]] | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> while [[Android (operating system)|Android]] is currently not supported.
Users of the Wimdu website must register a personal [[online identity|online profile]], a valid [[email address]] is required. Alternatively, Wimdu users can log in with an existing [[Facebook]] account. Profiles can be used to rent properties as well as listing own places, there are not different account types for guests and hosts.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = Wimdu | url = http://www.wimdu.com/howitworks-guests | title = How it works for guests | accessdate = {{date|2016-04-10|mdy}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | publisher = Wimdu | url = http://www.wimdu.com/howitworks-hosts | title = How it works for hosts | accessdate = {{date|2016-04-10|mdy}}}}</ref> Profiles include [[reviews]] to build [[reputation]] and trust between users of the online marketplace.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/oct/11/airbnb-wimdu-avoid-being-conned | website = [[The Guardian]] | title = Using Airbnb, Wimdu or another social travel site? How to avoid being conned | author = Emma Lunn | date = {{date|2014-10-11|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Any booking on Wimdu requires a fixed commission of 3% for the host and 12% for the guest.<ref>{{cite news | title = In fremden Schlafzimmern | language = de | newspaper = Neue Zürcher Zeitung | date = {{date|2014-01-03|mdy}} | page = 50 | author = Marie-Astrid Langer}}</ref> Wimdu supports different payment methods, including [[credit card]], [[direct debit]], [[wire transfer]] and [[PayPal]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.daserste.de/information/ratgeber-service/auto-reise-verkehr/sendung/sr/2012/zimmerportale-100.html | title = Was taugen die Zimmerportale im Internet? | language = de | website = [[Das Erste]] | publisher = [[Saarländischer Rundfunk]] | date = {{date|2013-09-13|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> For security purposes, all payments are held back for 24 hours after [[check-in]], so that guests can check their accommodation for problems.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tnooz.com/article/wimdu-to-check-in-with-global-insurance-traveller-protection-to-follow/ | title = Wimdu to check-in with global insurance, traveller protection to follow | website = tnooz.com | date = {{date|2011-08-24|mdy}} | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> Beside the Wimdu website, there are guest and host apps for [[iOS]] devices,<ref>{{cite web | title = iTunes Preview | website = [[App Store (iOS)]] | access-date = {{date|2016-04-25|mdy}}}}</ref> while [[Android (operating system)|Android]] is currently not supported.

Revision as of 06:13, 28 April 2016

Wimdu GmbH
Company typeprivate (GmbH)
IndustryTourism
FoundedMarch 2011; 13 years ago (2011-03)
Founders
  • Arne Bleckwenn
  • Hinrich Dreiling
Headquarters
Berlin
,
Germany
Number of locations
~150 countries
Area served
worldwide
Key people
  • Arne Kahlke (CEO)
  • Soren Kress (CEO)
Servicespeer-to-peer property rental
RevenueIncrease €13.6 million (2014)
Total assetsDecrease €25.2 million (2014)
Total equityDecrease €9.5 million (2014)
OwnersRocket Internet
Number of employees
240 (2014)
Websitewimdu.com
Footnotes / references
Company Register

Wimdu is a privately held peer-to-peer property rental company.[1] It operates a global online marketplace for short-term rentals and private accommodation.[2] Founded by Arne Bleckwenn and Hinrich Dreiling in March 2011 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany,[3] the company is considered to be one of the major competitors of Airbnb and a key vendor of the global vacation rental market.[4][5] Since its foundation, Kinnevik and Rocket Internet are involved in the company.[6] In fiscal year 2014, Rocket Internet held a majority of Wimdu shares.[7]

History

Wimdu was registered as a limited company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) in March 2011.[8] Arne Bleckwenn and Hinrich Dreiling, the founders of Wimdu, have founded and managed several other startups before.[9][10] Shortly after Wimdu launched, the company received a funding of $90 million from Kinnevik and Rocket Internet.[11] At this time, this was the largest investment in a European startup ever.[12] WirtschaftsWoche rated Wimdu among the most important startups of 2011.[13] Online for less than 100 days, Wimdu already offered 10,000 accommodations in 150 cities. The company had 400 employees and 15 offices.[14] Because the Chinese market is different, Wimdu started a spin-off business there called Airizu.[15] Shortly after the launch of Wimdu, Airbnb publicity criticized the business model.[16] Nevertheless, Airbnb considered an acquisition of Wimdu,[17] but finally decided against it.[18][19]

By 2012, Wimdu claimed to be the biggest social accommodation website from Europe.[20] After the first year in business, Wimdu gained booking revenues of $6.6 million per month and expected more than $100 million for the whole year 2012.[21][22] Later that year, the company fundamentally changed its growth strategy: Activities of international offices were reduced, some employees moved back to the Berlin headquarters.[23] The media reported that the restructuring was due to rising costs incurred by rapid growth.[24] 2013, Wimdu closed its China subsidiary Airizu, now doing business there under their main brand.[25] When it comes to Germany in particular, peer-to-peer property rental companies faced new regulatory requirements beginning 2013.[26][27] While competitors like 9flats left Berlin,[28] Wimdu continued its operations there.[29]

By June 2013, Wimdu offered 100,000 accommodations in 150 countries.[30] The same year, media reported that Rocket Internet occasionally wanted to sell Wimdu.[31][32] In October 2014, the founders Arne Bleckwenn and Hinrich Dreiling left Wimdu at their own request.[33] The management was handed over to Arne Kahlke und Sören Kress,[34] Bleckwenn and Dreiling took a position in the advisory board.[35] Wimdu further expanded its activities at the Berlin headquarters.[36] From 2013 to 2014, Wimdu increased the number of bookings by 31%.[37] 2015, Mediaset and Wimdu signed a media for equity deal.[38] The Italian media conglomerate invested million euros in the Berlin company, which received advertising on the Mediaset TV channels in return.[39] In the following months, Wimdu expanded in Italy, Spain and other Southern European countries.[40] The Mediaset-deal was significant for this.[41][42]

The city of Berlin adopted a law that restricts private apartment rentals.[43][44] This was primarily due the housing shortage.[45] In April 2016, Wimdu filed a lawsuit against the law, which received a lot of public attention.[46][47] The company argued that the law illegally restricts the fundamental rights of hosts.[48] Author of the lawsuit is Helge Sodan, former president of the constitutional court of Berlin.[49] Although the lawsuit will likely be successful,[50] the Senate of Berlin continues to support the law.[51] A decision is expected for mid 2016.

Operations

Wimdu is an online marketplace for private accommodation, similar to Airbnb, Jetsetter, HomeAway and others.[52] The service connects guests and hosts worldwide in order to provide an alternative to hotels.[53] The Wimdu website is available in 15 languages, including English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish, for example. Wimdu lists 300,000 properties in 150 countries.[54] There are many different types of properties, including private rooms, apartments, houses, boats and cars. According to Tripping, Wimdu is the leading European portal for renting city apartments,[55] what makes the majority of all properties.[56] Also, Wimdu has become increasingly popular for accommodation near famous individuals.[57][58]

Users of the Wimdu website must register a personal online profile, a valid email address is required. Alternatively, Wimdu users can log in with an existing Facebook account. Profiles can be used to rent properties as well as listing own places, there are not different account types for guests and hosts.[59][60] Profiles include reviews to build reputation and trust between users of the online marketplace.[61] Any booking on Wimdu requires a fixed commission of 3% for the host and 12% for the guest.[62] Wimdu supports different payment methods, including credit card, direct debit, wire transfer and PayPal.[63] For security purposes, all payments are held back for 24 hours after check-in, so that guests can check their accommodation for problems.[64] Beside the Wimdu website, there are guest and host apps for iOS devices,[65] while Android is currently not supported.

Controversies

Rocket Internet, which is led by the Samwer brothers and invested heavily in Wimdu, is renowned for their aggressive entrepreneurship and leadership style.[66][67][68] For several times, Wimdu has been accused being a clone of Airbnb,[69][70] as their business-model and website design is remarkably similar.[71] In response, representatives of the company stated that although the concept may be seen as similar, Wimdu has a unique approach,[72] treating "different countries, different cultures, in different ways".[73] Wimdu offers a "hotel light" experience in a market where Airbnb has the "first mover advantage".[74] Both Airbnb and Wimdu have been in a fierce competition, especially in German-speaking Europe.[75]

In January 2016, Wimdu was accused of leaving their hosts alone with vandalism: Die Zeit, Stern reported that Wimdu did not want to compensate a ruined Berlin apartment, besides offering a dedicated "insurance" for such damages.[76][77] Wimdu denied the allegations and pointed out that the host demanded "excessive refunds", for example.[78] Die Zeit took on the position of Wimdu and invited experts to check their standard form contract, which was classified to be unsatisfactory for many cases discussed before.[79]

References

  1. ^ Jenna Wortham (July 25, 2011). "Room to Rent, via the Web". The New York Times. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  2. ^ "Luftbett statt Bettenburg". Die Presse (in German). August 28, 2011. p. 20.
  3. ^ Anne Onken (July 2, 2011). "Heute L.A., morgen Amsterdam". Die Welt (in German). p. 12. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  4. ^ "Das Geschäft mit den Privatwohnungen". Bonner General-Anzeiger (in German). October 7, 2015. p. 17.
  5. ^ "Global Vacation Rental Market 2015-2019". Research and Markets. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  6. ^ Robin Wauters (June 14, 2011). "Investors Pump $90 Million Into Airbnb Clone Wimdu". TechCrunch. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  7. ^ "Annual Report 2014" (PDF). Rocket Internet. May 5, 2015. p. 134. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  8. ^ "Wimdu GmbH". Company Register. Bundesanzeiger. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  9. ^ "Arne Bleckwenn". gruenderszene.de (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  10. ^ "Hinrich Dreiling". gruenderszene.de (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  11. ^ Alexander Hüsing (June 15, 2011). "Zimmerdreikampf: Wimdu sammelt 90 Millionen US-Dollar ein". deutsche-startups.de (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  12. ^ Holger Schmidt (June 15, 2011). "Rekord: Start-Up Wimdu erhält 90 Millionen Dollar Finanzspritze". Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  13. ^ "Gründer: Die wichtigsten Startups" (in German).
  14. ^ Oliver Voß (June 17, 2011). "Samwer-Brüder: Der nächste Angriff der Klonkrieger". WirtschaftsWoche (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  15. ^ Thomas Ohr (May 10, 2011). "Wimdu enters the Chinese market with Airizu". eu-startups.com. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  16. ^ Alexia Tsotsis (June 9, 2011). "Airbnb Freaks Out Over Samwer Clones". TechCrunch. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  17. ^ Joel Kaczmarek (2014). Die Paten des Internets (in German) (3rd ed.). Munich: FinanzBuch Verlag. p. 397. ISBN 978-3-86248-353-2.
  18. ^ Leena Rao (October 11, 2013). "Brian Chesky Talks About Why Airbnb Didn't Acquire European Clone Wimdu, Global Growth And More". TechCrunch. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  19. ^ Georg Räth (October 14, 2013). "Airbnb hätte beinahe Wimdu übernommen". gruenderszene.de (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  20. ^ "Wimdu vs Airbnb – the battle for Europe hots up ahead of London 2012 Olympics". The Heureka.
  21. ^ Robin Wauters (March 22, 2012). "After one year, Airbnb rival Wimdu is big. How big? $132 million a year big". The Next Web. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  22. ^ Joel Kaczmarek (March 22, 2012). "Wimdu gibt erstmals Zahlen bekannt". gruenderszene.de (in German). {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  23. ^ Alex Hofmann (September 19, 2012). "Wimdu streicht internationale Büros zusammen". gruenderszene.de (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  24. ^ Alex Hofmann (September 20, 2012). "Airbnb rival Wimdu confirms cuts to international offices, refocus on Berlin". The Heureka. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  25. ^ Josh Horwitz (July 12, 2013). "Rocket Internet has reportedly shuttered Airizu, its struggling Airbnb clone in China". The Next Web. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  26. ^ Isabell Prophet (October 25, 2013). "Die Jagd auf die Untervermieter". Die Welt (in German). p. 30.
  27. ^ Frida Thurm (November 27, 2013). "Auch deutsche Wohnplattformen sollen Daten herausgeben". Die Zeit (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  28. ^ "Nach Verbot von Ferienwohnungen gibt Vermittler 9flats in Berlin auf". Berliner Morgenpost (in German). November 27, 2013. p. 6.
  29. ^ Magdalena Räth (November 27, 2013). "Airbnb rival 9flats shuts down office in Berlin". The Heureka. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  30. ^ "Mit Wimdu günstig nächtigen". Kronen Zeitung (in German). June 9, 2013. p. 10.
  31. ^ Magdalena Räth (January 29, 2013). "Wimdu findet keine Abnehmer". gruenderszene.de (in German).
  32. ^ Stephan Dörner (January 29, 2013). "Samwer-Brüder werden Wimdu nicht los". The Wall Street Journal (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  33. ^ Alexander Hüsing (October 30, 2014). "Bleckwenn und Dreiling verlassen Zimmervermittler Wimdu". deutsche-startups.de (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  34. ^ "Wimdu-Gründer geben Geschäftsführung ab". gruenderszene.de (in German). October 30, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  35. ^ Alexander Hüsing (October 30, 2014). "Bleckwenn und Dreiling verlassen Zimmervermittler Wimdu". deutsche-startups.de (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  36. ^ "Wo Mitarbeiter von anderen Ländern träumen". deutsche-startups.de (in German). November 5, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  37. ^ Thomas Ohr (May 6, 2015). "5 unexpected things Rocket Internet's annual report for 2014 reveals". eu-startups.com. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  38. ^ Johannes Bockenheimer (February 6, 2015). "Mediaset steigt bei Berliner Zimmervermittler Wimdu ein". Der Tagesspiegel (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  39. ^ Niklas Wirminghaus (February 5, 2015). "Wimdu schließt Media-Deal mit Berlusconis Sendergruppe". gruenderszene.de (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  40. ^ Miriam Schröder (April 28, 2015). "Deutsche Urlauber wollen keine Katzen". Handelsblatt (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  41. ^ "Berlusconi-Konzern steigt bei Zimmervermittler Wimdu ein". Berliner Morgenpost (in German). February 5, 2015. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  42. ^ Lisa Hegemann (February 6, 2015). "Wimdu: Werbe-Deal mit Berlusconis Mediaset". WirtschaftsWoche (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  43. ^ Christoph Eisenring (April 16, 2016). "Wo Berlin uncool ist". Neue Zürcher Zeitung (in German). {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  44. ^ Uwe Rada; Sophie Schmalz; Eva Schneider (April 24, 2016). "Jetzt wird es ernst". Die Tageszeitung (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  45. ^ Janko Tietz (August 12, 2013). "Tourismus: Teilen verboten". Der Spiegel (in German). {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  46. ^ "Portal Wimdu.de klagt gegen Berliner Ferienwohnungsverbot". Berliner Morgenpost (in German). April 14, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  47. ^ "Internetportal klagt gegen Ferienwohnungsverbot in Berlin". Handelsblatt (in German). April 24, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  48. ^ "Online-Portal Wimdu klagt gegen Berlin". Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung (in German). April 15, 2016. p. 9.
  49. ^ Uwe Aulich (April 15, 2016). "Wimdu verklagt das Land Berlin". Berliner Zeitung (in German).
  50. ^ Isabell Jürgens (March 10, 2015). "Verbot von Ferienwohnungen könnte verfassungswidrig sein". Die Welt (in German). p. 25.
  51. ^ Uwe Aulich (April 18, 2016). "Der Senat bleibt hart". Berliner Zeitung (in German).
  52. ^ Michelle Higgins (January 4, 2012). "19 Web Sites for Travel Savings in 2012". The New York Times. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  53. ^ "About Wimdu". Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  54. ^ Bernhard Brügger, Raphaela Kwidzinski (May 2, 2015). "Teilen ist das neue Reisen". Allgemeine Hotel- und Gastronomie-Zeitung (in German). pp. 6–7.
  55. ^ "Airbnb vs. Wimdu". Tripping. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  56. ^ Isabel Choat (June 28, 2013). "How to find and book a holiday apartment online". The Guardian. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  57. ^ "Neben echten Stars urlauben". Tiroler Tageszeitung (in German). August 5, 2011. p. 26.
  58. ^ "Tür an Tür mit Fashion-Stars". B.Z. (in German). July 22, 2012. p. 38.
  59. ^ "How it works for guests". Wimdu. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  60. ^ "How it works for hosts". Wimdu. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  61. ^ Emma Lunn (October 11, 2014). "Using Airbnb, Wimdu or another social travel site? How to avoid being conned". The Guardian. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  62. ^ Marie-Astrid Langer (January 3, 2014). "In fremden Schlafzimmern". Neue Zürcher Zeitung (in German). p. 50.
  63. ^ "Was taugen die Zimmerportale im Internet?". Das Erste (in German). Saarländischer Rundfunk. September 13, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  64. ^ "Wimdu to check-in with global insurance, traveller protection to follow". tnooz.com. August 24, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  65. ^ "iTunes Preview". App Store (iOS). {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  66. ^ Matt Cowan (March 2, 2012). "Inside the clone factory: The story of Germany's Samwer brothers". Wired. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  67. ^ Max Chafkin (May 29, 2012). "Lessons From the World's Most Ruthless Competitor". Inc. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  68. ^ Meike Laaff (October 1, 2014). "Die Ideenkopierer". Die Tageszeitung (in German). p. 4.
  69. ^ Joel Kaczmarek (April 8, 2011). "Samwers starten Airbnb-Klon Wimdu". gruenderszene.de (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  70. ^ "Internet companies: Attack of the clones". The Economist. August 6, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  71. ^ Joel Kaczmarek (June 10, 2011). "Airbnb wettert gegen Wimdu(?)" (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  72. ^ Björn Maatz (May 26, 2012). "Wie Wimdu sich von den Samwer-Brüdern freischwimmt". Financial Times (in German).
  73. ^ Bobbie Johnson (March 21, 2012). "With Airbnb expanding in Europe, Wimdu cranks it up". Gigaom. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  74. ^ Alexander Hüsing (April 29, 2015). "Wimdu wirft sich vorm Konkurrenten airbnb in den Staub". deutsche-startups.de (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  75. ^ "Airbnb closes Austria operation in battle with Wimdu". TechCrunch. December 20, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  76. ^ "Wohnungsportal Wimdu lässt Vermieter mit Schäden alleine". Die Zeit (in German). January 20, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  77. ^ "Airbnb-Konkurrent zahlt Vermietern bei Vandalismus keinen Schadensersatz". Stern (in German). January 23, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  78. ^ Christina Kyriasoglou (January 22, 2016). "Führt Wimdu seine Kunden in die Irre?". gruenderszene.de (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  79. ^ Felix Rohrbeck (February 11, 2016). "Wimdu wehrt sich …". Die Zeit (in German). Retrieved April 25, 2016.
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