Airbnb considers funding, eventual IPO after virus-related losses

• The coronavirus pandemic has led to hundreds of millions in losses for Airbnb (AIRB) and has the company considering a funding round rather than going public, according to WSJ sources.
• Yesterday, CNBC reported that Airbnb was speaking with investors interested in a funding round.
• WSJ's sources say the company is unlikely to raise at its $31B valuation from 2017, and Airbnb is considering how much it will lower the figure to receive the funding.
• Airbnb planned to go public this year through a direct listing. The path public is likely delayed and could now become an IPO.
• The company has met with its board several times this month to discuss this approach, which would still have to wait until the crisis ends and the markets stabilize.
• Post and title updated for clarity.