sharing economy News

IPO-Hopeful Airbnb’s New Governance Strategy Stresses Guest Safety, Accountability

Airbnb Inc. is laying the groundwork for a public market debut later this year, announcing a new corporate governance strategy that values safety, sustainability, diversity and accountability. The home-share startup has said it will track guest safety incidents, verify all …

California High Court Ruling Limits Independent Contractor Classification

In a big win for labor advocates, the California Supreme Court on Monday limited businesses from classifying workers as independent contractors who can’t receive key employment protections. Experts expect the ruling to expand the number of workers eligible for minimum …

Sharing Economy, New Technology Pose New Questions for Insurers

Emerging risks associated with the sharing economy and new technology pose new challenges for insurers, according to members of the International Association of Claim Professionals (IACP) who sat down with Claims Journal for an exclusive interview. Marc Karnell, global head …

Airbnb’s San Francisco Legal Showdown May Set Rules on Gig Economy

Airbnb Inc. has a message for cities that try to enforce rules that crimp its couch-surfing style: See you in court. The world’s fourth-most valuable startup is testing a legal strategy against its hometown that may be a template for …

Changes to Gig Economy Expected After Uber Drivers’ $100M Deal

Uber Technologies Inc. resolved the biggest threat to its business by settling with California drivers suing to be treated more like traditional employees, a move that could have broad-ranging implications for companies across the sharing economy. The agreement calls for …

Listings Climb on Lodging Sites While Questions on Insurance, Liability Remain

Marcus Ohanesian and Katie O’Connor’s apartment is in a “family-friendly neighborhood central to the middle of Worcester” and a short walk to excellent restaurants and bars. Their living rooms, with hardwood floors and walls painted in pastel yellow and orange …

Uber Driver Court Case Challenges Independent Contractor Business Model

The most serious challenge to Uber Technologies Inc.’s “Be your own Boss” business model might also present an early test to the wider sharing economy as well as undermine its own $50 billion valuation. The immediate battle began last Thursday …

Adjusting Homeowners’ Claims in the Sharing Economy

Would you rent your home to a total stranger? This may seem like a daunting prospect at first, but internet companies like Airbnb, HomeAway and VBRO have helped millions of people to do just that. Reassured by social media tools …