Hostmaker

Hostmaker, operating under its parent company Flying Jamon Ltd., was a London-based property technology company founded in 2014 by the husband-and-wife team, Nakul and Deepti Sharma. Nakul Sharma's background in the hospitality sector, with roles at major hotel groups like InterContinental and Starwood, informed the company's core concept. He identified a gap in the market to provide hotel-style services to the growing short-term home rental sector, driven by platforms like Airbnb. To refine their business model, the founders initially used their own home as a test lab, becoming Airbnb 'Superhosts' to understand the challenges property owners faced.

The company provided end-to-end management services for property owners and landlords looking to rent their homes on a short-term basis. Its target clients were property investors and homeowners who lacked the time or expertise to manage listings themselves. Hostmaker's business model was based on charging a percentage of the rental income or a fixed monthly fee, depending on the service plan chosen by the client. The service portfolio was comprehensive, including professional photography, interior design services, profile management and listing across multiple platforms, smart algorithmic pricing, guest vetting, in-person check-ins, and professional housekeeping. A key differentiator was its in-house interior design arm, 'At Home with Hostmaker', aimed at helping properties stand out.

Garnering significant investor interest, Hostmaker raised approximately £23 million ($30 million) across several funding rounds, with backers such as Gaw Capital, Sansiri, and DN Capital. This investment fueled a rapid international expansion from its London base into cities across France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Thailand. The company also secured a partnership with Marriott to manage a portfolio for its Tribute Portfolio Homes pilot. However, this rapid growth proved financially challenging. In 2018, the company reported a pre-tax loss of £14.3 million on a turnover of £12 million, citing high administrative and marketing expenses. Following severe cash flow issues, Hostmaker's parent company, Flying Jamon Ltd., entered administration in February 2020. The company ceased trading, and its rival, Houst (formerly Airsorted), acquired its client accounts and overseas operations.

Keywords: property management, short-term rentals, Airbnb management, proptech, hospitality services, vacation rental management, Nakul Sharma, real estate services, home-sharing, rental management, Flying Jamon Ltd, Houst, property letting, guest services, rental income optimization, London startup, real estate technology, interior design services, asset management, hospitality management