Why Has Nobody Built a Truly Global STR Operator? Inside the Real Challenges of Scale with Forge Group, Casago, and MadeComfy

VRM Intel
Published: October 21, 2025
Growth & Marketing

Summary

This article discusses the challenges of building a truly global short-term rental brand. Key players like Forge Group, Casago, and MadeComfy share their insights on navigating different markets, balancing growth with local expertise, and the role of technology and human judgment.

Key Insights

  • Building a global STR brand is extremely challenging due to the differences in consumer behavior, local regulations, distribution channels, and owner preferences.
  • Decentralized franchise models, like the one used by Casago, can help build community-level trust while scaling across different regions.

Action Items

  • Hosts considering expansion should first focus on maximizing market share in their current market before entering new ones.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium

Tools & Resources

  • AJL Atelier: AJL Atelier is a global STR consulting helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.(https://www.ajlatelier.com/)

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