VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day
In approaching the 12th edition of the Vacation Rental World Summit, we’re releasing a series of interviews to leaders, key players and highly motivated people in our industry whose companies make a deep impact in our space and will be present at VRWS.
The aim is to get you some insight into these leaders and the company they founded, manage or work for, as well as getting some behind the scenes on their thinking, their motivation and their drive.
Marcus Räder
- What inspired you to enter the vacation rental industry?
One of my favorite subjects in university was macroeconomics, and I was fascinated by global megatrends — those long-term shifts that shape industries and societies for decades. In 2015, several powerful trends were aligning in favor of vacation rentals: globalization, digital nomadism, rising real estate prices, the gig economy, remote work, and flexible living arrangements. Despite being an established industry, I saw massive untapped potential for global growth. That realization led me to explore the space further, and I quickly saw exciting opportunities in the tech side of vacation rentals.
- What sets your company apart in the vacation rental industry, and how do you ensure you stay ahead of the competition?
When we entered the market, we were the last of the major tech companies to do so. In 2015, the barriers to entry were already high, and they’ve only grown since. Being the youngest in the industry meant we had to work significantly harder to catch up. With fewer resources, we had to be more efficient, laser-focused on customer needs, and relentless in our execution. That approach — working smarter, being more agile, and always prioritizing our customers — is what propelled us to become the global market leader in 2024. It’s also what will keep us ahead in the years to come.
- If you attended the 2024 Vacation Rental World Summit in Porto, what was the most exciting or valuable takeaway for you? And looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Rome, what are you hoping to gain or experience this time?
I regret not being able to attend earlier, though I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Antonio many times. The Vacation Rental World Summit is one of the most intimate and truly global events in the industry. Porto is a city I never tire of visiting, and Rome is equally special. For 2025, I’m especially looking forward to connecting with property managers, exchanging insights, and — if all goes to plan — hosting the biggest party yet to celebrate our 10-year anniversary!
- Beyond business, what’s one experience or destination that left a lasting impression on you, and why?
It’s impossible to choose just one! I’ve lived in Helsinki, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Toronto, Miami, Bonita Springs, Barcelona, and Gothenburg, but only a few places truly feel like home—Toronto, Barcelona, and Southwest Florida. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to keep moving — after all, a rolling stone gathers no moss. Running is also a passion of mine, and some of my favorite running routes are in the Algarve, Prince Edward County, Miami Beach, Nice, and Paris.
- What’s one fun fact, hidden talent, or little-known secret about you that other attendees should know to spark a great conversation with you?
Come talk to me about the impact Gothenburg Metal has had on the global music scene — bands like In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Arch Enemy, and At The Gates are my go-to comfort music. If you play guitar, even better. If you collect guitars, we can spend hours together!
You’ll have the opportunity to meet Marcus directly at VRWS in Rome
Not Yet Registered for VRWS?
