How do people feel about working as a software engineer at these companies? The have a lot of similarities - size (medium/large, but still relatively small compared to Google), location (SF), IPO prospects (1-2 years), public image (generally positive/neutral) - which means they are attracting a lot of the same talent. But there are differences in culture (design driven vs eng/product driven), problem space (housing vs transportation), market share (first place above VRBO/HomeAway vs second place below Uber), and much more I'm sure. Soliciting your thoughts, assuming similar base, equity, and sign on.
I'd say they're both equally good. It's a nice problem to have if you've got offers from both. Maybe AirBnb slightly edges Lyft
Which topic interests you more? Transportation, or what you do when you arrive at a destination? Both have many, many fascinating things to explore.
You can’t assume similar equity. From my understanding Airbnb offers annual refreshers whereas Lyft does not
You're right. Though Lyft does have an annual equity refresh program, it is not comparable. Airbnb has a very generous annual with refresh program that kicks in at the end of your first calendar year (you just need to join in the first half of the year). Lyft also has an annual equity refresh program (might be new, haven't seen it mentioned here yet), which kicks in on the first 12/31 after your second anniversary.
Airbnb doesn't have as much competition as Lyft does.
They are pretty far off though
Priceline is huge and is definitely dominant in the market with a market cap of $90B. They own booking.com, opentable etc
btw lol @ IPO prospects
Airbnb has about 4000 employees. That’s medium size? Airbnb’s competitors are starting to cut into business while Lyft has been gaining on Uber a ton in the last year. On top of Airbnb’s culture problems I’d go with Lyft.
Airbnb has a design driven culture, like Apple?
That's what they are known for, at least. Airbnb's cofounders are designers, and you can almost see it in their office space, which is one of the best beautiful spaces I've seen.
I was in similar situation as you but also had FB. Decided to go with FB!
Lyft and Airbnb are equally great. Given an option I would chose Airbnb because I very much believe in Brian Chesky’s vision to build a people centric planet.
Airbnb asked me to do homework so I passed