Luxury retreats business Collective Retreats has raised a $23 million funding round led by RV rental platform Outdoorsy, entering the two startups into a new strategic partnership.
In addition to Outdoorsy, New York-based investment firm Fireside Investments led the Series C round, with participation from existing investors including Revolution’s Rose of the Rest Seed Fund.
Together, Collective Retreats and Outdoorsy plan to capitalize on the growing outdoor hospitality market by developing new accommodation types and outdoor experiences that combine Collective Retreats’ outdoor hospitality expertise and Outdoorsy’s technology platforms.
"After a year of isolation without connection to nature, people are clamoring for a new type of luxury travel where traditional hotel rooms and lobbies are swapped for fresh air, trees and clear blue skies," says Collective Retreats founder and CEO Peter Mack.
"We're excited to introduce our guests and Outdoorsy's loyal followers to new locations and outdoor experiences. Collective Retreats provides just what everyone needs, with the added brilliance of uncompromised luxury hospitality."
Starting June 15, Outdoorsy travelers will be able to book a Collective Retreats experience on Governors Island in New York, followed by similar experiences in Vail, Colorado, and Texas’ Hill Country later this summer.
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In the fall, Collective Retreats and Outdoorsy will launch a new accommodation offering allowing Outdoorsy guests to stay in their RVs while at a Collective Retreats location.
"One of the biggest barriers to entry for first-time RVers renting on Outdoorsy has always been the looming question of where to stay or camp at night," says Outdoorsy co-founder and CEO Jeff Cavins.
"Keep in mind that, for the majority of people renting an RV, this is their first time not staying in a hotel while on vacation, so that is the mindset they're in. They're looking for a bridge between camping somewhere convenient and camping somewhere they can anticipate a level of consistency and care. They'll drive the extra mile if it means sleeping in comfort, and through our new campground offerings with Collective Retreats, we are answering that question of 'Where do I camp?’”
Founded in 2015, Austin, Texas-based Outdoorsy has raised more than $75 million, including a $50 million Series C round in January 2019.
In January of this year, the company said it was on track to reach $1 billion in transactions on its platform by the end of the quarter, fueled by customer desire for socially distanced getaways amid the pandemic.
At the time, Outdoory also announced the hire of chief product officer Kevin Swint, who joined the company from Airbnb, where he served as the global head of product for experiences and host community.