Funding Round attributes
Guidesly, a company focused on providing technology solutions for the outdoor recreational industry, has successfully raised $9.5 million in a Series A funding round. This funding will enable the company to further develop its platform, which connects outdoor enthusiasts with recreational guides and provides tools for guides to manage their businesses.
Founded in 2019, Guidesly has established itself as a key player in the outdoor recreation industry. The platform offers guides tools that streamline various aspects of their business, including customer booking, payment processing, website management, and back-office operations. Guidesly has expanded rapidly since its inception, especially after relocating its headquarters to Buffalo, New York, in early 2024. This move followed the company’s victory in the 2023 43North Finals, where Guidesly was awarded a $1 million prize.
The Series A funding round was led by Aspen Capital Group, with additional participation from investors including YETI Capital, HalfCourt Ventures, Derive Ventures, and existing investors Elysian Park Ventures and Marquee Ventures. The $9.5 million raised will be used to accelerate the growth of Guidesly's Vertical AI technology, which is designed to provide enhanced services for the guides on its platform. These advanced technologies will allow Guidesly to offer more robust solutions to help guides optimize their businesses and improve customer experiences.
In addition to the development of Vertical AI, the funding will support Guidesly’s efforts to grow its consumer marketplace and expand its platform across new outdoor verticals. The company plans to scale its operations globally, extending its reach to more outdoor recreation areas and introducing new services tailored to a wider variety of activities. This expansion is also reflected in Guidesly’s plans to add 20 new positions in 2025, with all of the hires based in Buffalo.
