Airbnb acquires product design firm Lapka
Airbnb has bought small product design firm Lapka, which builds products for "self-care and mind harmony".
The Russian- founded company now based in San Francisco has developed a variety of products such as a radiation sensor, EMF sensor and a breathaliser, although the consultancy refers to them as "a token, charm or talisman, not a device" in a blog post announcing the news.
Lapka, founded by chief executive and creative director Vadik Marmeladov, is keeping quiet about how Airbnb might use its serves but said that: "I am super excited for Lapka to join Airbnb. Both companies share an extreme passion for design, beauty and meaningful, cinematic experiences. What we’re capable of building together is beyond explanation, so let’s leave that for later news. The future is long."
The product design firm will now cease operations and will not be manufacturing or developing any new products.