Lapka, a small Russian hardware start-up devoted to turning sensors (such as Geiger counters) into luxury items, has caught the eye of Airbnb, who snapped up the company this week for an (as yet) undisclosed sum. Lapka is now based in San Francisco, and builds products for “Self-care and mind harmony,” which have included a smartphone-assisted breathalyser, an EMF sensor, and wooden and ceramic blocks that capture environmental data like radiation and humidity.
Lapka CEO Vadik Marmeladov said in a statement: “At Lapka, we were unconcerned with investing in a particular device, service, category or direction. Instead, we focused on creating an adaptable lifestyle brand where people can engage comfortably and enthusiastically. 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.” Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, added: “Since the moment Lapka launched their first product I have been inspired by their impressive design sensibilities, a combination of beauty, form, and story. These guys have tenacity and drive towards creating the future, and I’m thrilled to get to work alongside them at Airbnb to create a world where people can belong anywhere.”
Lapka, a small Russian hardware start-up devoted to turning sensors into luxury items, has been purchased by Airbnb for an undisclosed sum
As you can see, both statements are noticeably vague, so it's still unclear where this partnership is heading, but Marmeladov has confirmed that Lapka is closing up shop and discontinuing operations, which means the Lapka module for Google's Project Ara modular smartphone probably won't ever see the light of day.
As for Airbnb, the $24 billion home rental service has been investing a lot of its time and energy into shaping its brand identity recently; from a change of logo to offering hosts products to better their properties. But looking at the products that Lapka has released in the past, we're left wondering what the two companies will produce. It stands to reason that Airbnb have been privy to information that suggests Lapka might have more up their sleeves than meets the eye.
The acquisition has to do with bringing Lapka’s unique talents on board, and does not signal that Airbnb will be venturing into device manufacturing
Airbnb says this acquisition has to do with bringing Lapka’s unique talents on board, and does not signal that Airbnb will be venturing into device manufacturing, so don’t expect to start seeing Airbnb-branded breathalysers in your next holiday flat rental. Both companies declined to comment further at this time, and are not disclosing the terms of the deal. It’s clear that Airbnb will be able to help Lapka realise its goal of delivering high-end industrial design to the masses, but we have no idea how Airbnb will be using these skills. As ever, we'll have to wait and see.
