Joe Gebbia, a co-founder of Airbnb, explained his role on Thursday on X, nearly two weeks after The New York Times revealed that he had joined Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency.” Gebbia said that, as a first step, he will be using his design experience to improve the government’s infamously cumbersome, paper-heavy retirement process.
The assistance appears to be needed by the system. In a video testimony made public today and reposted by Gebbia, Chuck Ezell, the acting director of OPM, stated that the administration “challenged” the agency a week ago to “process a retiree, end to end, digitally, without printing anything to paper.” The due date? Only a week.
An agency worker informs the cameraman in the same film that they have already succeeded in streamlining the procedure to two days.
OPM has been under pressure to update its systems for years, but it is unclear if that approach is scalable, sustainable, or even repeatable. Concerns about delayed benefit processing have been present since 2023, when a number of lawmakers urged the OPM to address the slow processing of retirees, some of whom were waiting more than 90 days to receive their benefits. In response, the agency last summer started a pilot program for a new online retirement application platform.
Due to his Airbnb assets, Gebbia has become a multibillionaire and continues to serve on the board of the massive short-term rental company. He has also been on the Tesla board since September 2022.
“Since leaving my operating role at Airbnb in 2022, I’ve been looking for the next digital design challenge,” Gebbia stated in his X post outlining his next plans. And there aren’t many more significant ones that come to mind than volunteering to enhance our government’s user experience.
A Bold Step into the Future of Cryptocurrency
Gebbia is a co-founder of both Airbnb and Samara, a spin-off of Airbnb that constructs prefabricated homes that clients may personalize by selecting colors, layouts, windows, doors, and decks. Samara claims to take care of the rest, including securing the necessary permits.
Samara said last week that $15 million of the properties would be donated to help Los Angelenos who lost their homes in the January fires, which resulted in an estimated $30 billion in damaged property.
Some Airbnb hosts have voiced their displeasure on the platform since Gebbia’s affiliation with DOGE was made public; some told the San Francisco Standard that they have removed their properties. One seasoned Airbnb host told the Standard, “I just feel like I can no longer be an Airbnb host in good faith, being in the D.C. area and seeing the impact that DOGE has had on our community and economy.”
Gebbia has not been involved in Airbnb’s day-to-day operations since 2022, the company emphasized in a response to the site. A spokeswoman also added, “Airbnb has always been about more than the viewpoint of any one person.” Millions of hosts and hundreds of millions of visitors from different backgrounds make up our community.
Airbnb Co-Founder Joe Gebbia Unveils His First Project for DOGE
In a move that has sent ripples through both the tech and cryptocurrency communities, Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia has officially unveiled his first project for DOGE, the popular meme-inspired cryptocurrency. Known for his innovative approach to business and design, Gebbia’s entry into the world of digital currencies marks a significant moment for DOGE and the broader crypto ecosystem. But what exactly is this project, and why is it generating so much buzz?
A Visionary Entrepreneur Steps into Crypto
Joe Gebbia, who co-founded Airbnb in 2008 and helped revolutionize the hospitality industry, has always been a forward-thinker. His ability to identify gaps in the market and create solutions that resonate with millions has made him one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our time. Now, Gebbia is turning his attention to DOGE, a cryptocurrency that started as a joke but has grown into a serious player in the digital asset space.
Gebbia’s decision to work on a DOGE-related project is not just a nod to the currency’s growing popularity but also a testament to his belief in its potential. In a recent statement, he said, “DOGE represents more than just a cryptocurrency; it’s a community-driven movement that embodies creativity, humor, and inclusivity. I’m excited to contribute to its evolution.”
The Project: A Fusion of Design and Decentralization
While details about Gebbia’s project remain under wraps, early indications suggest that it will combine his expertise in design with the decentralized ethos of DOGE. Speculation is rife that the project could involve creating a platform or marketplace that leverages DOGE for transactions, potentially in the travel or hospitality sector—a natural fit given Gebbia’s background.
One possibility is a decentralized version of Airbnb, where users can book accommodations using DOGE. Such a platform would not only provide a seamless payment option for crypto enthusiasts but also align with the principles of decentralization and peer-to-peer interaction that underpin both DOGE and blockchain technology.
Another theory is that Gebbia’s project could focus on charitable initiatives. DOGE has a history of supporting philanthropic causes, from funding clean water projects to sponsoring athletes in the Olympics. Gebbia, who has a strong track record of social impact through Airbnb’s Open Homes program, might be looking to harness DOGE’s community-driven spirit for global good.
Why This Matters for DOGE and Crypto
Gebbia’s involvement in DOGE is a significant endorsement for the cryptocurrency, which has often been dismissed as a “meme coin” with no real utility. By lending his credibility and expertise to the DOGE ecosystem, Gebbia is helping to legitimize it in the eyes of skeptics and investors alike.
Moreover, his project could serve as a blueprint for how established entrepreneurs and businesses can integrate cryptocurrencies into their operations. As more companies explore blockchain technology and digital assets, Gebbia’s work with DOGE could pave the way for innovative use cases that go beyond mere speculation.
The Bigger Picture: A New Era for Crypto
Gebbia’s project is more than just a milestone for DOGE; it’s a sign of the growing convergence between traditional industries and the crypto world. As visionary leaders like Gebbia embrace digital currencies, the lines between the two realms are blurring, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
This project also highlights the importance of community in the crypto space. DOGE’s success has been driven by its passionate and engaged community, and Gebbia’s involvement is likely to strengthen that bond. By tapping into the collective energy of DOGE holders, he has the potential to create something truly transformative.
What’s Next?
While the specifics of Gebbia’s project are still unknown, one thing is clear: it has the potential to make waves in both the tech and crypto worlds. Whether it’s a decentralized marketplace, a charitable initiative, or something entirely unexpected, Gebbia’s first assignment for DOGE is sure to be a game-changer.
As we await more details, one thing is certain: Joe Gebbia’s entry into the DOGE ecosystem is a bold step into the future of cryptocurrency—a future that is increasingly shaped by creativity, collaboration, and community. And if history is any indication, Gebbia’s project will be one to watch.
Stay tuned, because the world of DOGE—and crypto as a whole—is about to get a whole lot more interesting.