Blueground 2023: A Year of Milestones, Resilience & Gratitude
Let’s take a look back at some of this year’s highlights.
As I reflect on this year, I am proud of what Blueground has accomplished. Blueground is the largest global network of furnished rentals for 30+ days in the world. Blueground has emerged as a leader in providing flexible, fully furnished housing solutions.
Our core business — that is to operate apartments end-to-end and that we’ve developed over the last 10 years — remains strong. We directly manage and operate 15,000 apartments in 32 cities in 17 countries and 4 continents, and we’ve hosted nearly 50,000 guests over the last decade. In 2023 we grew our operations in Asia and have over 1,000 apartments available to rent in the region, while Europe and the US are almost an even split.
To continue our growth trajectory and to increase our profitability, this year we successfully launched new strategic initiatives:
- Strategic partnerships: We have signed franchise agreements with partners in Japan and Thailand to begin operations in 2024, and we’re eager to announce more soon.
- Partner network: Working with the Nestpick team, we created this exclusive, invite-only network that consists of a curated set of vetted, third-party furnished apartment providers. We’ve already added 1,000+ properties and received 100 bookings in just a few months.
- On-demand: Through the acquisition of Travelers Haven, corporate teams and nomadic workers can now enjoy the fast and highly customizable sourcing of flexible rentals on-demand, across 20,000+ U.S. cities.
A strategic aggregator:
Three acquisitions helped to expand our footprint and enhance our service offerings in 2023. This year we officially welcomed Brazilian startup Tabas to the Blueground family and further established ourselves in the LATAM market with the launch of Blueground in Mexico City. We also acquired leading on-demand housing provider, Travelers Haven, as well as furnished rental platform, Nestpick. These acquisitions were not just about expanding our business; they were a testament to our commitment to providing even more options for our valued clients.
New product for the citizens of the world:
People’s attitudes have significantly shifted in the past 2+ years, creating an environment for more adaptable living solutions in today’s highly mobile world. According to a recent study involving Blueground guests, 22% expressed their intention to continue residing in furnished rentals rather than settling in a permanent home over the next 2-3 years. This insight prompted the development of Live@Blueground, a new product designed for individuals seeking a “stay longer” approach to escape traditional unfurnished leases and establish Blueground as their long-term home.
Reflecting on a decade of Blueground:
As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey that brought us here. Since 2013, tens of thousands have experienced the convenience and comfort of Blueground homes, saving them time, making their lives better and turning into long-term guests. From humble beginnings in Athens, Greece, to a global leader in flexible living, each milestone has been a testament to our team’s dedication, client trust and community support.
This milestone is not just about the past; it’s a stepping stone for the bright future we envision.
A heartfelt thank you:
To our exceptional team of BeeGees, thank you for your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts. Each one of you has played a pivotal role in our success, and your passion is the driving force behind our achievements. To our guests from 2013 to now, thank you for your trust in making Blueground your home. To our landlords, partners, and the communities in which we operate, thank you for being eager collaborators as we change peoples’ way of living, together.
In closing, 2023 has been a year of resilience, growth, and gratitude. As we set our sights on the future, I am confident that Blueground will continue to redefine the way people experience living and create lasting impressions on the communities we serve.
Here’s to a prosperous 2024 filled with new opportunities, exciting challenges, and continued success.
Alex Chatzieleftheriou
CEO & Co-founder, Blueground