Airbnb disclosed in a securities filing that it holds an option to invest in an AI lab founded and controlled by CEO Brian Chesky. Chesky has personally funded the lab, which focuses on user interaction and design. The agreement also gives Airbnb the right to license certain intellectual property from the venture for internal use.
The filing says Airbnb sold intellectual property to the lab for $7.1 million in cash. Airbnb Chief Technology Officer Ahmad Al-Dahle also holds equity in the venture and performs services for it.