Airbnb Property Management Platform Secures $19 Million in Funding to Expand Operations

Major Funding Boost for Australian Property Management Platform

In the fast-paced short-term rental sector, staying ahead means having a finger firmly on the pulse of both technology and guest expectations. That commitment is particularly familiar to Denver property managers, who see their market echo global trends like the recent headline-making investment in an Australian property management brand. Whether you own a downtown condo overlooking Coors Field or a bungalow nestled in the Foothills, it’s smart to keep an eye on how innovation and investment keep reshaping the rental industry both at home and abroad.

A prominent property management and short-term rental company based in Sydney, Australia, Hometime, has secured a fresh $19 million through a mix of venture capital and debt financing. This financial injection, finalized in early 2026, arrives at a time when the short-term rental market, from Denver to Sydney, is seeing heightened competition and a demand for more professional management services. The company’s decision not to disclose the breakdown between equity and debt refinancing, which included a new arrangement with the Commonwealth Bank, signals both confidence and strategy in how they plan to manage future growth.

Who’s Behind the Deal?

This round came together with Craig Burton’s Verona Capital leading the way on the venture capital side, attracting backing from 15 earlier-stage investors who chose to double down, along with several family office participants. Their continued involvement points to investor trust in the company’s direction and growth strategy, something many local Denver property owners look for when evaluating their own management partners.

Hometime’s fundraising journey began back in 2017 with a capital injection of $1.5 million from Martin Dalgleish’s Asia Principal Capital. Shortly after, OneVentures contributed $6 million in a package of debt and equity, further supported a few months later in 2019 when NAB Venture and AS1 Capital came aboard with an additional $4.5 million. Over time, these investments allowed the company to scale operations and, importantly, pursue targeted acquisitions that would cement their position in the market.

Strategic Growth and Acquisitions

Hometime’s growth playbook leans heavily on both organic expansion and the acquisition of competitors. In 2018 they kicked things off by bringing Sydney-based Hey Tom under their umbrella. From there, the company expanded geographically and operationally—snapping up Host My Home in Cairns and bnbpal in Melbourne. This approach isn’t unlike how some Denver-based managers scout promising properties or teams to build up their own market share and guest offerings.

By 2024, Hometime attracted another $10 million, this time from Fifth Estate Asset Management, signaling a focused strategy for acquisitions. That move allowed the company to broaden service coverage in urban and regional areas, much as Denver property managers are now looking beyond city limits to capitalize on shifting travel trends and preferences for local, authentic stays.

Current Scale and Operations

Today, Hometime oversees a portfolio of more than 3,500 listings, covering everything from compact city apartments to sprawling seaside resorts and private vacation homes. Their hands-on approach means they not only manage their own assets but also collaborate directly with Airbnb hosts to fine-tune every guest experience. Services run the gamut—everything from fielding guest bookings and inquiries, coordinating maintenance and housekeeping, to marketing the listings and driving up occupancy through dynamic pricing strategies.

This holistic management style rings true for what Denver and Foothills hosts routinely seek—someone who can step in and cover the full range of short-term rental complexities without missing a beat. When a local owner hands off their property, they’re looking for peace of mind and an uptick in rental returns, just as Hometime promises its partners abroad.

Leadership and Changes at the Helm

Every successful company evolves with the people behind it, and Hometime has seen significant leadership shifts in recent years. Dave Thompson, one of Hometime’s cofounders, stepped aside in August 2024. He has since focused his talent and energy on a new venture, Freedom Ventures, which specializes in building and supporting profitable small businesses. Leadership transitions like these often mark new chapters, allowing the original company to stay agile while former founders bring a wealth of experience to emerging projects.

What Sets Hometime Apart?

The platform’s scale isn’t the only thing turning heads. Hometime stands out by delivering property owners a comprehensive, end-to-end service package. They manage the entire guest journey, design effective marketing strategies, and keep operations running smoothly behind the scenes. For hosts, this means spending less time putting out fires and more time reaping the rewards—something that resonates just as much in Colorado as it does in the Australian market.

“Our portfolio now covers thousands of properties across dozens of locations, with a dedicated team on hand to manage every detail,” a spokesperson for Hometime shared during a recent announcement.

The company’s results-focused mindset mirrors what top-tier property managers in Denver aim for: higher occupancy, maximized nightly rates, and consistently positive guest feedback. In practice, this comes down to well-trained teams, responsive communication, and a focus on delivering both value and reliability.

Lessons for Property Managers Worldwide

For those keeping tabs on short-term rental innovation, Hometime’s journey underscores a few key takeaways:

• Strategic investment and smart partnerships fuel growth. Careful capital raising lets companies scale responsibly—something every property owner should weigh when deciding whom to trust with their investment.
• Full-service management attracts busy owners. Handing over cleaning, marketing, maintenance, and bookings to a capable team gives owners breathing room and improves results.
• Consistent reinvestment drives long-term success. Whether it’s updating technology or acquiring competitors, continued growth depends on forward-thinking strategy rather than standing still.
• Leadership vision shapes the future. Leadership changes can open up new avenues for growth and innovation, both for the company and for those who move on to new ventures.

Connecting Trends from Denver to Sydney

Drawing a parallel to what’s happening in Denver and the Foothills, property managers and investors here have watched their market mature in similar ways. Local owners now expect comprehensive solutions instead of pieced-together fixes. Platforms that combine local insights with proven strategies—not just in marketing but also guest relations, pricing optimization, and maintenance—are the ones thriving.

Strategic capital, a focus on guest experience, and the agility to respond to changing travel patterns will separate market leaders from everyone else over the next few years. As this Australian example shows, keeping an eye on global innovations can reveal surprising alignments and new ideas to bring home.

Staying Ahead in a Competitive Market

The short-term rental space, whether in Australia or Colorado, is fiercely competitive. Owners and investors want higher occupancy and rates—but also expect clear communication, transparent reporting, and operational excellence. Learning from international peers and adapting best practices can make the difference between a listing that sits empty and one that’s booked solid year-round.

If you’re a property owner watching global trends, the story of Hometime’s rise is a clear reminder: solid management, robust technology, and the right team can transform a handful of properties into a thriving, large-scale operation. And sometimes, all it takes to unlock that next level is the right partner by your side.