Vacation rental apps like Airbnb have completely changed the way people travel, but not everyone has the same positive experiences, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. Now, there’s a platform designed just for them, thanks to one entrepreneur.
Matthieu Jost started Misterb&b, a travel site tailored for LGBTQ+ travelers. Jost came up with the idea about ten years ago when he and his partner went to Spain. They booked a room through another travel site, but the host was clearly uncomfortable with their presence as a gay couple. This experience motivated them to create a safe solution for others in the LGBTQ+ community.
Before launching Misterb&b, Jost had already run two successful businesses in France. Leveraging his experience, he managed to raise $15 million to start Misterb&b, initially targeting gay men. Over time, the platform expanded to serve all LGBTQ+ members. Today, Misterb&b boasts over a million users, making it the largest travel community in this niche.
“We want people to connect safely within the community,” Jost shared in an interview with Fast Company. “We verify all our users and provide tools that aren’t available on mainstream platforms. For instance, you can find accommodations in the gay district of a city, or choose hosts based on their personality type. Whether you’re talkative or introverted, you can find the right host. We also offer filters for shared interests. About 65% of our users travel solo, so we’re really about fighting loneliness and building a community. It can be very isolating to be LGBTQ+.”
Jost’s negative experience in Spain isn’t unique; many LGBTQ+ travelers face similar issues with mainstream travel apps. Using his personal experiences, Jost aimed to develop a platform that offers safety and positivity for others.
While creating a business for a niche community can be challenging, Jost tackled issues like user verification and targeted advertising effectively. His deep understanding of the community’s needs helped him create a successful company and happy customers.
