It's one of the biggest success stories in the Australian short-term rental industry: a founder builds a brand from the ground up and navigates it to a headline-making $50 million+ acquisition by a global giant. But how did he actually do it?

In this episode of Building It, I sit down with Quirin Schwaighofer, the Co-Founder of MadeComfy, to get the full story behind one of Australia's most recognised STR brands. Quirin reveals the powerful 15-year plan he created at age 30, which became the blueprint for his entire career and eventual exit.

This isn't just an inspiring story; it's a deep dive into the mindset and strategy required to build a truly valuable asset. We break down the brilliant pivot that gave MadeComfy a huge competitive advantage and the inside story of how the landmark deal with OYO really happened (starting with a single message on LinkedIn).

Quirin Schwaighofer is the Co-CEO & Co-Founder of the Australian accommodation innovator, MadeComfy. A seasoned expert in scaling high-growth businesses, he raised over $20 million in capital before leading MadeComfy to one of the largest exits in the history of Australia’s short-term rental industry.

Guest & Company Links:

MadeComfy Website: https://www.madecomfy.com.au

Quirin Schwaighofer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quirinschwaighofer/

OYO Website: https://www.oyorooms.com/

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: Building an Airbnb Business to a $50M+ Acquisition

02:08 - A Founder's 15-Year Plan for Financial Freedom

09:52 - Why True Financial Independence Isn't About Money

15:11 - Surviving COVID with Only 3 Months of Runway

18:38 - The Strategic Pivot Beyond Airbnb for Massive Growth

21:22 - Building a Moat: Why Their Strategy Was Kept Secret

28:20 - The "Aha!" Moment: When the New Strategy Proved a Winner

32:03 - How OYO Discovered & Acquired Them (The LinkedIn Message)

39:33 - The Hardest Part of the Acquisition Process

50:04 - What's Next for MadeComfy After the OYO Acquisition

55:30 - A Founder's Advice for Airbnb & STR Entrepreneurs

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.

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