In this episode of the No BS podcast, we welcome back Marcus from Hostaway to catch up on the exciting developments since his last appearance in December 2022. We dive into Hostaway's impressive feats, such as raising a massive $175 million in Series A funding, followed by an even more staggering $365 million Series B funding round. Marcus gives us an inside look at the intricacies of running a top-tier business, emphasizing the paramount importance of stellar customer support and innovative technology. We also explore the future plans for Hostaway, the evolving landscape of the short-term rental industry, regulatory challenges, and what it takes to achieve market leadership. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with industry knowledge and future trends.

Link to Hostaway: https://www.hostaway.com/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the No BS Podcast

00:57 Welcoming Marcus from Host Away

02:26 The Simple Truths of Business and Life

04:56 Host Away's Major Funding Announcements

06:20 The Three Pillars of Running a Business

12:31 The Importance of Customer and Investor Relationships

20:45 The Future of Vacation Rentals and Direct Bookings

23:16 Investing in Technology and Customer Success

24:08 Acquisitions and Market Competition

25:55 Challenges of Following Playbooks

30:30 Valuations and Market Opportunities

35:20 Impact of Regulation on Real Estate

40:04 Company Culture and Employee Compensation

45:58 Conclusion and Future Outlook