Airbnb plans to confidentially file for IPO this month

Airbnb is planning on going public through a confidential filing later this month, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to CNBC.

Shares could begin trading by the end of the year. Airbnb declined to comment. 

The Wall Street Journal first reported the news of its market debut. 

The company had plans earlier this year to enter the public markets, but put those on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic and laid off 25% of its staff, roughly 1,900 employees. 

At the time, CEO Brian Chesky told employees that its 2020 revenue will be less than half of what the company earned in 2019. 

The pandemic has been a huge hurdle for the short-term rental company to overcome, as it’s devastated the travel and hospitality industries. 

Airbnb’s private valuation has dropped to $18 billion, down from the $31 billion figure when it raised a round of funding in 2017. The company also raised $1 billion in April in equity and debt from Silver Lake and Sixth Street Partners to get through the crisis. 

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