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Xiaozhu.com operates as a prominent Chinese online platform facilitating short-term home rentals, connecting property owners with travelers seeking unique accommodations. The company provides a comprehensive booking service for daily and short-term stays, effectively functioning as a home-sharing marketplace by managing listed properties and integrating with real estate services to ensure quality and reliability.
The platform was founded in 2012 by Kelvin Chen Chi, a technology veteran, and Tarry Wang Liantao. Chen Chi, previously a doctor from Chengdu, conceived the idea after recognizing the potential of the home-sharing model within China, drawing inspiration from global pioneers in the sector. This insight led to the creation of a localized service tailored to the specific dynamics and demands of the Chinese domestic market.
Xiaozhu.com primarily serves individual property owners looking to monetize their spare living spaces and travelers desiring diverse lodging options beyond traditional hotels. The company’s vision is centered on cultivating and expanding the home-sharing economy across China, continually enhancing its platform to offer a robust and trustworthy ecosystem for both hosts and guests, deeply embedded in the domestic market.
Xiaozhu.com has raised $982.0M across 8 funding rounds.
Xiaozhu.com has raised $982.0M in total across 8 funding rounds.
Xiaozhu.com has raised $982.0M in total across 8 funding rounds.
Xiaozhu.com's investors include Advantech Capital, Yunfeng Capital, Capital Today, GIC, Joy Capital, Morningside Ventures, 5Y Capital, Li Na, Xu Xin, Xiao Li, Yu Cheng, BAI Capital.
Xiaozhu.com has raised $982.0M across 8 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $300.0M Other Equity in October 2018.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 10, 2018 | $300M Venture Round | Advantech Capital, Yunfeng Capital | Capital Today, GIC, JOY Capital, Morningside Ventures | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2018 | $300M Series F | Advantech Capital, Yunfeng Capital | 5Y Capital, Capital Today, GIC, JOY Capital, Morningside Ventures | Announced |
| Nov 1, 2017 | $120M Venture Round | LI NA | XU XIN, Xiao LI, YU Cheng | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2017 | $120M Series E | — | 5Y Capital | Announced |
| Nov 1, 2016 | $65M Series D | BAI Capital, JOY Capital | 5Y Capital, Capital Today, Morningside Ventures, MSA Capital | Announced |
| Jul 1, 2015 | $60M Series C | Xiao LI | 5Y Capital, Citic Capital, Heyu Capital, Morningside Ventures | Announced |
| Jun 1, 2014 | $15M Series B | Legend Capital | 5Y Capital, Morningside Ventures | Announced |
| Dec 1, 2012 | $2M Series A | — | 5Y Capital | Announced |
Xiaozhu.com is a leading Chinese technology company that operates a short-term rental platform connecting landlords and tenants. It provides an online marketplace and communication platform for short-term lodging, primarily serving urban renters and property owners across over 130 cities in China. Xiaozhu addresses the problem of underutilized housing resources by enabling landlords to list vacant properties easily and tenants to find affordable, flexible accommodation options beyond traditional hotels. The platform emphasizes safety, trust, and convenience, offering services such as real-time identity verification, property insurance, and professional cleaning. Xiaozhu has demonstrated strong growth momentum, supported by multiple funding rounds and expanding market presence, positioning itself as a major player in China's sharing economy for housing[1][2][3].
Founded in August 2012 by Chen Chi and Wang Liantao, Xiaozhu emerged from the founders' vision to tap into China's vast idle housing resources through a sharing economy model. At the time, no similar platform existed in China, so Xiaozhu had to build both supply and demand from scratch, creating market infrastructure and trust mechanisms such as real-time authentication and furnishing services to enhance listings. Early traction came from addressing the challenges of moral hazard and adverse selection in peer-to-peer rentals, and by offering landlords free listing and comprehensive support services. Over time, Xiaozhu evolved from a startup into a mature platform with a transaction volume reaching nearly RMB 1 billion and a valuation exceeding US$2 billion, backed by investors like Yunfeng Fund, GIC, and Capital Today[1][2][4].
Xiaozhu rides the global trend of the sharing economy and digital transformation in real estate, particularly the rise of short-term rentals as an alternative to hotels. The timing is favorable due to increasing urbanization, rising domestic travel demand, and growing consumer preference for flexible, cost-effective lodging. China's unique market dynamics, including a large population and rapid digital adoption, amplify Xiaozhu's growth potential. By professionalizing and localizing the short-term rental market, Xiaozhu influences the broader ecosystem by setting standards for trust, service quality, and platform-based property management in China’s proptech sector[2][4].
Looking ahead, Xiaozhu is likely to deepen its integration of technology and offline services to enhance user experience and operational efficiency. Trends such as AI-driven personalization, smart home integration, and expanded ancillary services (e.g., tourism packages) could shape its evolution. As competition intensifies from both domestic and international players, Xiaozhu’s ability to innovate in trust-building and service differentiation will be critical. Its influence may expand beyond China, potentially inspiring similar models in other emerging markets. Overall, Xiaozhu stands poised to continue shaping China’s short-term rental landscape by balancing technology, community, and service[1][2][3][4].
