The sharing economy has revolutionized industries globally, from transportation to hospitality. Among these trailblazing ventures is Swimply, a platform that allows homeowners to rent out their private swimming pools by the hour. At the forefront of this innovation is Bunim Laskin, the young entrepreneur who conceptualized and founded Swimply. His journey from a budding entrepreneur to the founder of a multimillion-dollar startup is an inspiring tale of creativity, perseverance, and business acumen.
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Bunim Laskin |
| Age | 21 years old (as of 2021) |
| Birthplace | Israel |
| Current Residence | Lakewood, New Jersey, USA |
| Education | Attended Rabbi Zweig’s yeshivah in Miami; studied in Eretz Yisrael |
| Occupation | Founder & CEO of Swimply |
| Company Founded | Swimply (2018) |
| Notable Achievement | Appeared on Shark Tank in 2020 |
Who is Bunim Laskin?
Bunim Laskin is not your typical entrepreneur. His life story is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and determination. To truly understand his success, let’s take a closer look at his early life, background, and the career beginnings that set him on the path to founding Swimply.
Early Life and Background
Bunim Laskin was born and raised in a large Orthodox Jewish family in New Jersey. Growing up in a household of 11 siblings, Laskin learned the value of resourcefulness and creativity from an early age. His upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and the ability to think outside the box—qualities that would later become essential in his entrepreneurial pursuits.
Laskin’s education played a significant role in shaping his mindset. While he didn’t have a traditional business background, he was always drawn to solving problems through unconventional methods. His environment encouraged curiosity and innovation, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.
Career Beginnings
Before launching Swimply, Laskin dabbled in smaller entrepreneurial ventures. While these ventures were not groundbreaking, they taught him valuable lessons about building and scaling a business. The concept of Swimply, however, was born out of a very simple, yet ingenious observation.
One summer, Laskin noticed that his neighbors had a beautiful swimming pool that often went unused. With a large family and limited access to recreational amenities, he wondered if there was a way to share this resource. This idea would eventually blossom into Swimply—a platform that allows homeowners to turn their underutilized pools into income-generating assets.
The Birth of Swimply
Swimply wasn’t just a random idea; it was a carefully thought-out solution to a real problem. The journey from concept to reality wasn’t without its challenges, but Laskin’s determination and vision helped him overcome the odds.
Concept Development
The idea for Swimply emerged from Laskin’s personal experiences. Growing up, his family often struggled to find affordable recreational options during the summer. This led him to notice a gap in the market: homeowners with unused pools and families looking for affordable, private pool access. Unlike public pools, which can be crowded and inconvenient, private pools offered a better experience for users.
Laskin envisioned Swimply as a platform similar to Airbnb but specifically for swimming pools. Homeowners could list their pools on the platform, and users could book them for hourly use. This concept not only addressed a market need but also gave homeowners an opportunity to monetize their underutilized assets.
Initial Funding and Launch
Turning an idea into a business, however, required funding. Laskin started small, relying on personal savings and support from his family. In the early stages, he also faced skepticism from potential investors who doubted the viability of the concept. Despite these challenges, he successfully raised seed funding from angel investors who believed in his vision.
The launch of Swimply was a humble one, starting with a small market test in his local community. The response was overwhelmingly positive, validating Laskin’s idea and paving the way for the platform’s expansion.
Swimply’s Growth Trajectory
Swimply’s success didn’t happen overnight. It required a well-thought-out business model, strategic partnerships, and a relentless focus on scaling the platform. Let’s explore how Swimply grew from a local experiment to a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
Business Model Overview
At its core, Swimply operates as a peer-to-peer platform, connecting pool owners with renters. The process is simple: homeowners list their pools on Swimply, set their hourly rates, and specify availability. Renters browse listings, book their preferred pools, and enjoy a private swimming experience.
Swimply takes a commission from each transaction, much like other sharing economy platforms such as Airbnb or Turo. This model is both scalable and sustainable, allowing the company to grow without needing to own or maintain any physical assets.
Key Milestones
Over the years, Swimply has achieved several key milestones that have solidified its position in the sharing economy:
- Funding Rounds: Swimply has raised millions in funding from prominent investors, including a $10 million Series A round in 2021. These funds have been used to improve the platform, expand marketing efforts, and scale operations.
- User Growth: The platform has seen exponential growth in its user base, with thousands of pool listings across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
- Partnerships: Strategic partnerships with insurance companies and other service providers have helped Swimply address concerns like liability and safety, making the platform more appealing to both homeowners and renters.
Financial Overview of Swimply
Swimply’s financial success is a testament to its innovative business model and market demand. Let’s take a closer look at the company’s financial performance and how it compares to industry standards.
Current Valuation and Revenue
As of 2025, Swimply has an estimated valuation of $160 million and generates an annual revenue of approximately $29 million. These impressive figures highlight the platform’s profitability and market potential. Swimply’s ability to generate consistent revenue despite being a niche platform demonstrates the effectiveness of its business model.
Comparison with Industry Standards
When compared to other sharing economy platforms, Swimply is still relatively small. For instance, Airbnb and Turo operate on a much larger scale with valuations in the billions. However, Swimply’s niche focus gives it a unique advantage. By catering to a specific market segment, the platform faces less direct competition and can attract a loyal user base.
| Metric | Swimply | Airbnb | Turo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | $160 million | $75 billion | $1 billion |
| Revenue (Annual) | $29 million | $8 billion | $150 million |
| Market Focus | Pool-sharing | Lodging | Car-sharing |
Bunim Laskin’s Personal Net Worth
While Swimply’s valuation is impressive, it’s also important to consider how this translates to Bunim Laskin’s personal wealth.
Estimating Laskin’s Net Worth
As the founder and CEO of Swimply, Laskin holds a significant equity stake in the company. Although exact figures are not publicly available, estimates place his net worth in the range of $10–$15 million, depending on his ownership percentage and other investments.
In addition to his equity in Swimply, Laskin has likely benefited from media exposure, speaking engagements, and advisory roles, further contributing to his wealth.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Laskin’s success has been widely covered in the media, with outlets praising his innovative approach to entrepreneurship. However, public perception is a double-edged sword. While many admire his achievements, others have raised questions about scalability and long-term sustainability.
Challenges and Criticisms
No entrepreneurial journey is without its hurdles. Laskin and Swimply have faced their fair share of challenges and criticisms.
Critiques from Shark Tank
Laskin famously pitched Swimply on Shark Tank, but the feedback was mixed. While the Sharks acknowledged the platform’s potential, they raised concerns about scalability and legal liabilities. Despite not securing a deal, the appearance gave Swimply valuable exposure.
Operational Challenges
Scaling Swimply comes with its own set of challenges, including competition from other platforms, market saturation, and maintaining user trust. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the company’s long-term success.
Future Prospects for Bunim Laskin and Swimply
Despite the challenges, the future looks bright for both Laskin and Swimply.
Expansion Plans
Swimply is actively exploring new markets and features, such as the inclusion of other recreational spaces like tennis courts or private gyms. These expansions could significantly increase the platform’s user base and revenue streams.
Laskin’s Vision
Laskin remains committed to his vision of democratizing access to luxury amenities. His focus on innovation and customer satisfaction will likely drive Swimply’s growth in the years to come.
ALSO READ (Kearran Giovanni’s Net Worth)
