Vancouver-based adventure tech startups ShareShed and Guiides have just been acquired by Leavetown, a Vancouver-based vacation booking service for mountain and nature destinations.
Founded by Daniel Dubois, ShareShed’s online marketplace allows users to rent outdoor adventure equipment like kayaks and tents through its website and mobile app. Dubois’ second company, Guiides, allows outdoor adventurers to discover and book outdoor experiences with local guides.
“It’s simple,” said Dubois. “We share a common vision that nothing compares to enjoying
adventures like locals do and seeing the world through their eyes. By teaming up with
Leavetown we’ll be able to facilitate access to even more unique experiences together.”
Leavetown said the acquisition of ShareShed and Guiides will allow its guests to connect to more unique outdoor experiences. The company creates personalized vacations for users by having highly trained destination experts help guests find vacation accommodation, activities, ski tickets, and local deals in mountain and nature destinations across North America.
“Travellers increasingly are seeking authentic local encounters,” said Mike Liverton, who founded Leavetown in 2012. “The acquisition of ShareShed and Guiides allows us to connect our Leavetown guests with a rapidly expanding community of local outdoor adventurers.”
ShareShed and Guiides started through the The Next Big Thing, an incubator led by Ryan Holmes and Meredith Powell. The company raised a $1M seed round that included investors like Mike Walsh of Structure Capital.
Following this acquisition, Leavetown has its eyes set on global expansion in the Australian, European, and South American markets.