In this raw, no-fluff episode, Hostaway CEO Marcus Rader shares the hard-won lessons behind building a billion-dollar vacation rental software company, starting with zero industry experience.

Marcus breaks down:

Why most entrepreneurs aim too small and why it costs them everything
The mental and physical toll of building at scale (including 7 years without a dentist visit)
How he filters “good money” vs “bad money” when raising capital
The future of short-term rentals in a regulated, AI-powered world
Practical leadership advice for scaling teams without losing your mission

Plus: his marathon training, travel hacks, and how to avoid becoming a micromanaged founder.

Whether you’re a startup founder, STR operator, or tech junkie—this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to win big without burning out.

Ready to scale? Tap into Marcus’s billion-dollar playbook now.

 

Marcus Rader’s Bio

Marcus Räder is co-founder and CEO of Hostaway, the leading all-in-one vacation rental management software. Originally from Finland, Marcus has lived in many countries around the world including Sweden, Poland, and The Netherlands before settling in Canada. It was this passion for travel, real estate and his dedication to learning about the vacation rental ecosystem that enabled the creation of Hostaway.

The company quickly grew thanks to the deep technological expertise of its founders, with over a decade of tech start-up success between them. Hostaway gives property managers all the tools needed to compete with hotels and other vacation rentals, including sales channel management, dynamic pricing and hospitality services. It now boasts preferred partnerships with Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com, in addition to a marketplace of over 100 integrated software partners.

 

Connect with Marcus

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingmarcus/