The Host Co.

The Host Co. operates a web-based commerce marketplace that lets short-term rental hosts create online storefronts through which guests can buy items and services associated with their stay. Hosts set up a free digital store, list products and set prices; guests receive a link to the store before arrival or see a QR-coded sign inside the property, and can purchase before or during their stay using credit card, Apple Pay or PayPal. Inventory can be items physically stocked in the property (from snacks in the fridge to art on the walls), rented goods such as kayaks, boats and scooters, souvenirs and firewood, or artisan and local goods that are delivered locally, offered at a discount for nearby pickup, or shipped to the guest's home.

Beyond retail, the platform packages curated local and national vendor services — in-home massage, private chefs, flower delivery, grocery delivery, rental car drop-off — as well as stay add-ons such as early check-in and late check-out. When a guest buys a vendor service, the vendor or a Host Co. concierge contacts the guest directly to arrange scheduling. The product includes theft-protection tooling (purchase-gated access instructions, signage, dispute support), monthly payouts to host bank accounts, and collection and remittance of US state sales tax, with hosts receiving 1099-K forms from the payout provider (Stripe or PayPal) above $600 per year.

The company positions the technology as applicable beyond Airbnb and Vrbo listings to boutique hotels, swimming pools (e.g. Swimply-style rentals), office spaces and airplanes.

Founding story

The company was founded by Annie Sloan and Mikel Hubbard, former HGTV producers who worked on shows including Curb Appeal, Landscape Smart, Color Splash, Find Your Style and Design to Sell. Hubbard subsequently flipped properties and converted them into Airbnbs, and both founders were operating as short-term rental hosts when they built the product to address the absence of hotel-style minibar and concierge offerings in short-term rentals.

Business model

Hosts create storefronts for free and set their own prices; The Host Co. takes a commission on each sale, with hosts stated to receive 93 percent of store sales. Revenue therefore scales with guest purchases of in-property items, rentals, add-ons such as late check-out, and commissionable bookings of local and national vendor services.

Commission on guest transactions processed through host storefronts; store setup is free for hosts and payouts are made monthly to hosts' bank accounts via providers such as Stripe and PayPal.

Traction

At the time of the seed announcement the company reported a waitlist of over 1,100 additional hosts, and stated that over 90 percent of guests open a Host Co. store and over 40 percent make a purchase. Beta testing showed 90 percent of guests visiting the host's store, particularly when the link was sent an hour after check-in, and about 40 percent purchasing in month one. The website cites host testimonials from properties including Designed To Death, Hi Dez Management, The Sanctuary at Copperas Branch, La Fortezza Stays and Mar Bella Stays, and advertises that successful users have seen over $120,000 per year per listing.

Latest developments

Following the March 2022 seed round, the company has expanded its offering to include curated local services and experiences, in-home shopping and rentals, and automated early check-in and late check-out add-ons, and states it works with national vendors across the US.