Whether it is climbing a mountain in the Alps, skiing in Colorado or going for a hike just 30 minutes away from home, adventure-seekers can find what they are looking for on Explore-Share, a Belgian startup transforming into one of the largest online booking platforms for guided outdoor adventures.
Founded in 2015, the startup has so far gained more than 10k listings in over 70 countries. Its marketplace is turning adventure tourism into an online industry, allowing its users to book unique experiences anywhere in the world in just a few clicks, from their phones.
“We’re on a mission to help people use technology to live truly memorable experiences outdoors, wherever their travels take them,” said Nicolas Vandepaer, who co-founded Explore-Share with his long-time friend Gauthier Poncelet.
Tours booked through the platform vary substantially in style, activity and duration – from classics like the ascent of Mont Blanc, to climbing famous volcanoes like Cotopaxi in Ecuador, to guided freeride skiing holidays in the best resorts in the US and via ferrata in the Alps and the Dolomites.
“At Explore-Share we are determined to show the world that outdoor adventures enrich people’s lives. We want to spread the word that if you want to live your life to the fullest you need to ditch the couch and get out there,” said Poncelet. “With a network of over 1,600 guides and local agencies (including some of the oldest and most important in the US and the Alps), users can book an adventure practically anywhere on Earth: from Alaska to New Zealand and from Peru to Japan.”
After successfully closing an investment round of €1 million funded by private investors in Belgium, Explore-Share is now ready to embark on the second stage of its development. These fresh funds will allow the company to continue expanding its guide community and listings, invest in new marketing channels and further develop the platform to help guides in their daily management of clients & bookings.
By the way: If you’re interested to join a fast-growing startup like Explore-Share, make sure to check out the EU-Startups Job Board.
