anybody can offer their flat, house or even a room in a shared flat to travelers. The host benefits from additional income and provides travelers with a completely new perspective on the holiday destination. Rooms furnished with a personal touch and helpful insider tips let holidaymakers explore cities and countries like a local—hence the slogan "Travel like a local." Depending on the budget and your own needs, you can find diverse categories from rooms in shared flats in Tokyo to two-room flats in Berlin and even penthouses in New York.

Transparency and security are top priorities for Wimdu. A provider can require a deposit, for example, but must also create a complete profile to ensure that the potential renter has important information such as pictures or contact information. Guests, as well as hosts, can give ratings and comment on their experiences with each other and these flow into the Wimdu rating system. This ensures that trips are a reliable and trusting experience for both sides.

Wimdu has launched in 11 languages and in addition to Europe is active in Asia as well as North and South America. Along with the opportunity to submit and search for accommodations, the platform also offers background information ranging from travel tips to virtual guided tours. The comprehensive social media strategy allows users all over the world to exchange experiences and inform themselves via video channels, Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. Serial entrepreneurs Arne Bleckwenn and Hinrich Dreiling, who successfully launched gratispay.de in 2009, founded Wimdu. Rocket Internet finances the Berlin-based start-up.