He received between 50 and 100 offers and chose to stay at the home of an Icelandic rhythm and blues singer. Fenton hacked into a database of the University of Iceland and randomly e-mailed 1,500 students asking for a homestay. The idea arose after Fenton found a cheap flight from Boston to Iceland but did not have lodging. History Conception (1999–2004) Ĭouchsurfing was conceived by computer programmer and New Hampshire native Casey Fenton in 1999, when he was 21 years old. 1.7 Change to membership fee revenue model (2020).1.4 Launch and development of mobile apps.1.3.1 Criticism from members of the conversion to a for-profit corporation.1.3 Change to a for-profit corporation and financing (2011).1.2 Development of the website by volunteers (2006–2011).