57hours, a marketplace connecting consumers with professional guides, announced details on its recent fundraising effort as well as expansion plans into dozens of international markets. Touted as an “Uber-like app for outdoor guides,” the company’s mobile and the desktop interface give a one-click connection to adventure guides. Rock climbing, backcountry skiing, hiking, and mountain biking trips are offered by guides based in the American West, New England, the Alps, Iceland, and international adventure destinations.
Hundreds of local guides rely on 57hours for bookings, making it among the largest marketplaces in the industry. As an example, one partner, a two-person guide company, has secured more than $500,000 in bookings this year alone.
“Our mission is getting more people to spend more hours outdoors,” said Viktor Marohnić, co-founder and CEO of 57hours. “We also work to help our partner guides succeed business-wise in doing what they love.”
The company, which launched in 2019, announced several milestones in coordination with its recent fundraiser:
- $2.3million raised (seed-stage funding)
- 400 markets – diverse adventure destinations
- 53 countries – guides available around the globe • 350 local guides – available on 57hours app
- $500,000 – bookings for a top-performing guide company
The company takes its name from the hours (57) that are available for a weekend adventure trip between 3 p.m. on Friday and Sunday at midnight. Its mission and user growth this past year helped it to secure funding from angel investors.
“Our investors share the team’s passion for building category-defining digital products,” Marohnić said. “Many also share in our belief of the life-changing power of outdoor adventure.”
Marohnić continued, “With this funding round we benefit from the expertise of investors that are first and foremost entrepreneurs who have built leading outdoor publications, No. 1 downloaded apps, and have seen billion-dollar exits.”
Marohnić added his team’s goal is to become the top, most-trusted global booking engine for human-powered outdoor adventure. Growth in users and revenue is on track for 57hours as it plans for a series-A fundraiser in 2023.
Learn more about 57hours at https://57hours.com.
