Leavy.co

The business model is centered around a community-driven platform that serves three types of users: “Happy Leavers,” who are members that rent out their homes; “Hosts on Demand,” who are local members paid to manage the properties and assist guests; and “City Explorers,” the visiting travelers. Leavy.co's distinct operational approach involves taking on the financial risk for its users by providing Happy Leavers with a guaranteed, upfront cash payment for making their space available, irrespective of whether the property gets booked. Revenue is generated through dynamic pricing algorithms that aim to find the optimal price point for all parties involved. The platform also incorporates a rewards system where users can earn “Leavy Coins”—a form of travel credit—by engaging with the community, such as by inviting friends or sharing travel tips, which can then be used to purchase flights and accommodation.

The company secured significant seed funding, raising approximately $14 million (€12.7 million) in a round that closed in early 2019, led by Prime Ventures with participation from angel investor Dominique Vidal. This investment fueled a period of rapid expansion, with the company growing to over 100 employees and establishing offices in six European cities including Paris, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome, and Lisbon within 18 months. By late 2019, the community had grown to over 65,000 members. However, there are user-generated reports from 2022 that indicate issues with payments to hosts and homeowners, with some users alleging financial losses and damages.