Airbnb Worth $30 Billion After Latest Funding Round

Just how Uber revolutionized the ride-sharing economy, Airbnb has had a similar impact on the hospitality industry, making these two companies the most influential pre-IPO unicorns.

Airbnb has exploded in popularity as people are becoming more and more comfortable with the concept. In areas like Silicon Valley and New York City, where hotel prices are astronomical, it's a particularly attractive option.

The San Francisco-based company just closed a $555 million dollar funding round valuing the company at $30 billion. The $555 million figure is likely the minimum the company will raise in a round that could reach $850 million.

Airbnb has raised nearly $4 billion in total outside funding, and raised $1 billion in debt financing this summer.

While Airbnb is said to already have "plenty of cash on hand" according to sources, "the new money is "insurance" in case of new capital requirements or an even longer wait for an IPO," according to a report by Fortune.

Most Valuable Unicorns

• Uber – $62.5 billion
• Didi Chuxing - $36 billion
• Lyft – $4-6 Billion
• Snapchat - $18-22 billion
• Pinterest - $11 billion
• Palantir - $20 billion