Media Behemoth Axel Springer Invests In AirBnB

German Media Conglomerate Axel Springer, which is next to Bertelsmann, one of Germany’s most important and diversified media companies, has invested an undisclosed amount into AirBnB. It’s an unusual deal, whereby the amount invested is based on the value of advertising space taken in Axel Springer media outlets, according to various German media reports.

Furthermore, AirBnB offers will be included in Springer’s real estate portals, such as Immonet. This seems to be a really intresting move, because psychologically AirBnB listings are now treated as professional real estate listings.

There has been no word on the amount invested, however according to reports it’s only a “very minor” stake that has been purchased. With a $1 billion valuation in May 2011, the price for that stake must have been high. Several months ago German country manager Gunnar Froh claimed that a potential investment of Axel Springer did not happen since their funding round had been closed already. That just changed. Also since a potential consolidation in the german market had been discussed after AirBnb closed their Austria office.

Interestingly, Axel Springer decided not to invest in of the “Europen Versions” of AirBnb, such as Rocket Internet’s Wimdu or Stefan Uhrenbacher’s 9flats.