U.S.-Based Hipcamp Acquires Australia's Youcamp as Travelers Heed Call of the Great Outdoors
Skift Take
Hipcamp thinks that courting landowners like farmers, ranchers, and vintners can help unlock new supply for outdoor recreation. It's an interesting theory.
In a dismal year for travel, outdoor recreation has shone as a rare bright spot. Camping has particularly seen a surge for safe domestic travel during the pandemic.
Some investors believe outdoor pursuits will continue to boom after the pandemic wanes because the segment's booking, distribution, and management will shift online.
Hipcamp, a San Francisco-based startup making that bet, said on Thursday that it had acquired Youcamp, its counterpart in Moruya, Australia. The companies have offered a variety of outdoor options, ranging from simple tents that people pitch themselves to glamping services with hot showers.
The companies didn't disclose the value of the deal. Youcamp was mostly boot-strapped. Its brand will fade, but most of the employees will stay.
Hipcamp has raised more than $40 million from backers such as Andreessen Horowitz, Benchmark, and O'Reilly AlphaTech Ventures. It's considering further acquisitions.
"A big part of our vision has been to build a global community around people who want to get outside and appreciate nature," said Hipcamp founder and CEO Alyssa Ravasio. "So, as we look forward to more international exp
