Joe Gebbia, born August 21, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia, is best known as a co-founder of Airbnb, one of the most transformative companies in the global travel and hospitality industry. With a background in design and a passion for innovation, Gebbia helped turn a simple idea—renting out air mattresses in his apartment—into a multibillion-dollar enterprise that reshaped how people travel and connect. As of 2025, he is recognized as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, with a net worth of $8.8 billion, largely due to his significant stake in Airbnb.
Raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Gebbia’s early life was marked by creativity and ambition. He was known as the “art guy” in school, selling his own illustrations and immersing himself in ceramics, photography, and design. His educational journey led him from Brookwood High School to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he honed his skills in industrial design and developed the problem-solving mindset that would later drive his entrepreneurial ventures.
Gebbia’s professional life is a testament to his belief in pushing boundaries. Alongside Brian Chesky and Nathan Blecharczyk, he launched Airbnb in 2008, navigating regulatory challenges, scaling the platform to over 200 countries, and guiding the company through its landmark IPO in 2020. He also played a pivotal role in Airbnb.org, the company’s non-profit arm, which has provided more than 1.4 million nights of free housing to displaced individuals worldwide.
In recent years, Joe Gebbia has stepped back from daily operations at Airbnb to focus on new projects, including Samara, an accessory dwelling unit startup, and initiatives in documentary filmmaking and philanthropy. He remains on Airbnb’s board and is actively involved in shaping the future of housing and design through projects like Backyard, which seeks to revolutionize how homes are built and used.
Gebbia resides in Austin, Texas, where he purchased a striking 6,000-square-foot minimalist home in 2020. The residence reflects his design sensibilities and commitment to aesthetics. He shares his home with a rescue dog named Bélo, named after the Airbnb logo.
Is Joe Gebbia Married?
Despite his high profile, Joe Gebbia’s married life remains largely private. Public records and credible reports do not indicate that Joe Gebbia is married as of July 2025. While he is known to have attended high-profile events—such as the 2023 Met Gala—with Brazilian fashion model and social media personality Isabelle Boemeke, there is no confirmation that she is his wife or that they are in a marital relationship. There are no widely reported details about how they met, any wedding, or a timeline of their relationship.
Does Joe Gebbia Have Children?
Gebbia has referenced “taking on the role of Dad” in public communications, suggesting that he may have children. However, there are no detailed or confirmed reports about his children, their number, or their ages. This aspect of his life appears to be intentionally kept out of the public eye, in line with his overall approach to privacy regarding his personal relationships.
What Does Joe Gebbia’s Partner Do?
Isabelle Boemeke, the fashion model and influencer he was seen with at the Met Gala, is known for her work in modeling and her advocacy for clean energy and science communication. However, as there is no confirmation that she is Gebbia’s wife, it cannot be definitively stated that she is his spouse or that her profession is directly tied to his personal life.
New Ventures and Public Roles
Gebbia’s recent activities have shifted from the private sector to the public sphere. In February 2025, he joined the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative led by Elon Musk under President Donald Trump, with the ambitious goal of reducing federal spending by $1 trillion. This move has sparked both interest and controversy, particularly given Gebbia’s previous political donations to Democratic candidates and his recent public statements about shifting his political alignment toward the Republican Party.
Gebbia’s involvement in DOGE includes efforts to streamline government operations, reduce workforce redundancies, and rethink federal programs, including the cancellation of certain diversity and inclusion initiatives. His public comments on social media regarding migration policies and political issues have further fueled debate about his evolving views and role in public life.
Despite stepping away from daily operations at Airbnb, Gebbia remains a board member and continues to influence the company’s direction, as well as the broader fields of design, housing, and technology. His leadership at Samara and ongoing advocacy for innovative, sustainable housing solutions underscore his commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.
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Joe Gebbia’s journey from a creative child in Georgia to a billionaire entrepreneur and public figure is marked by a relentless drive to innovate and challenge the status quo. While his professional achievements are well documented, his personal life—particularly his marital status and family—remains closely guarded, adding an element of intrigue to his public persona. As he embarks on new ventures in government efficiency and sustainable design, Gebbia continues to shape the future in ways that extend far beyond the world of hospitality.
