Samara

• Startup Name: Samara
• Founded: 2016 (as Airbnb innovation studio); independent since 2022
• Founders: Joe Gebbia (Airbnb co-founder), Mike McNamara (former Flex CEO)
• Headquarters: California, USA
• Website: samara.com​SURFACE+5Samara+5Samara+5Wikipedia+3Fast Company+3Field Mag+3Samara+5Built Offsite+5Archinect+5SURFACE

Innovation:Samara addresses California’s housing crisis by producing modern, factory-built Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) known as “Backyard.” These units come in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations, with prices starting at $279,000 for studios and reaching $339,000 for two-bedroom units. ​Samara+6VICE+6SURFACE+6Details:

• Factory Production: Units are manufactured in a 140,000-square-foot facility in Mexicali, Mexico.
• Comprehensive Project Management: Samara oversees all stages from design to installation and financing.

Financial Backing: Supported by prominent investors including Airbnb, Thrive Capital, and 8VC.