Home-swapping startup Kindred secures $125 million in funding

Kindred, a startup that revitalized the concept of home swapping, has secured significant investment for its credit-based travel platform. The company aims to make travel more affordable and personalized by leveraging a system where members earn credits for hosting guests in their homes, which can then be used for stays in other members' properties.

Since its launch in 2021, Kindred has grown to over 300,000 members and has homes available in more than 190 cities worldwide. By February 2026, the company had successfully raised approximately $125 million across its Series B and C funding rounds. This capital injection is intended to fuel further growth and platform development.

The company's model offers an alternative to traditional accommodations like hotels and short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb. According to Kindred, its system significantly reduces travel costs, often to around one-tenth of conventional lodging expenses. Furthermore, it aims to alleviate pressure on local housing markets, which can be strained by homes being acquired for short-term rentals.

Kindred's system requires members to be pre-approved and willing to host others. The duration of a member's stay is linked to the credits they earn through hosting. While direct, one-to-one home swaps are still common, Kindred's credit system allows for greater flexibility in choosing destinations. The company emphasizes trust as a foundational element, acknowledging the inherent vulnerability in allowing others access to one's primary residence.