Facing discrimination on AirBnB, Black entrepreneurs set up Noirbnb, Noirebnb

Two tech start-ups with similar names, Noirbnb and Noirebnb, are launching temporary lodging services for African Americans as #AirbnbWhileBlack discrimination complaints mount.

The services say they will launch soon with the aim of providing a safe, friendly and inclusive travel experience for African Americans, as well as people of any race or ethnicity.

Black Airbnb users are sharing their stories of discrimination while trying to book reservations on Airbnb.

A Harvard Business School study found widespread discrimination by Airbnb hosts against guests whose names sounded distinctly black. On Airbnb, users identify themselves with their real name and a photograph — information some hosts use to avoid renting to African Americans.

Noirebnb founder – serial entrepreneur – Rohan Gilkes, says he began working on Noirebnb after attempting twice to book a house in Idaho but being told the dates he wanted were not available. A white friend was able to book the house for those dates.

Read more: USA Today