There are other services already, as mentioned by some other posters. But why don't you see a lot of new entries into the market and more competition happening

There are other services already, as mentioned by some other posters. But why don't you see a lot of new entries into the market and more competition happening right now. Totally speculating, but it could be because AirBnB has brought so much attention that a number of states in the US are creating new barriers to entry for other companies and are preventing some of the innovation. States are trying to prevent revenue loss on bed and sales tax etc so they want to make sure they legislate the hell out of short term rentals. In Florida where I am, if you rent your property for short terms (generally < 6 months at a time I believe) you are treated more like a motel operator than a property owner. So you are subject to a host of taxes and potentially license requirements that you wouldn't be otherwise. There are entire companies down here that manage these types of properties for the large number of absentee owners. From what I understand those companies require a licensed real estate agent if they are going to market the home for rent because the home owner isn't doing it themselves. Not sure how that plays with AirBnB, but I'd think you escape it if you posted your own home up there. But I know last year Florida was trying to change state laws to make it more difficult for these sharing type services. I think AirBnB used the oops, sorry we didn't know excuse a lot. And then they have had a war chest of cash to work with the states to come to some reasonable agreements, or lobby for changes. But I don't think it is over by any means, and so new startups have more hurdles to overcome in some of the states most prone to use a service like this. I think once it shakes out and the rules are better known and understood, then you might get some startups that popup. This is after the initial cash outlay from AirBnB to lobby for reasonable rules etc.