Boatsetter

Boatsetter
TypePrivate
IndustrySharing economy
Founded2015 (2015)
FoundersJaclyn Baumgarten
Andrew Sturner
Headquarters
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
,
U.S.
Key peopleMichael Farb (CEO)
Websiteboatsetter.com

Boatsetter is an American online platform for boat rentals based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.[1][2]

The platform includes more than 50,000 boat listings and connects boat owners, renters, and captains across 700 locations in the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, and the United States.[3]

History

Boatsetter was originally founded in 2014 by Andrew Sturner.[4] In 2015, it merged with Cruzin, which was founded by Jaclyn Baumgarten,[5] and adopted the name Boatsetter.[6][7][8]

In August 2017, Boatsetter acquired Boatbound.[9][10] Founded in 2013, Boatbound was based in Seattle, Washington.[11][12] It was often described as Airbnb for boats.[13][14]

In November 2017, Boatsetter relocated from Aventura to a 3,200-square-foot headquarters in downtown Fort Lauderdale.[2][15] The move coincided with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where the company showcased its services to nearly 3,000 charter operators.[2]

In August 2019, Boatsetter raised $10 million in Series A funding.[16] Previously, it had raised $13 million in December 2016.[6][17]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Boatsetter saw a surge in demand for safe outdoor activities, which led to a 200 percent annual increase in bookings by July, driven largely by multi-day rentals and staycations.[18][3]

In May 2021, Boatsetter acquired Fisher Guiding, a New York-based fishing charter marketplace.[19] The acquisition expanded Boatsetter Fishing service to include fishing charters, guides, and outfitters.[19]

In August 2022, Boatsetter raised $38 million in Series B funding.[3]

In January 2023, Michael Farb became the chief executive officer (CEO) of the company, succeeding Jaclyn Baumgarten, who had served as CEO since 2014.[20]

Platform

Boatsetter is a peer-to-peer boat rental platform.[21][22][23]

Before onboarding, Boatsetter pre-screens renters to ensure compliance with insurance, safety requirements, and boat-owner criteria.[2] Qualified renters may book boats without a licensed captain.[2] Owners typically offer half-day, full-day, or custom charters.[2] The platform primarily features boats between 28 and 60 feet and serves renters regardless of boating experience.[24] Renters may also book U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains through the platform.[24][18] Boat owners set rental prices, and Boatsetter takes a 20 percent commission.[24] Through another service called Boatsetter Lux Charters, it provides luxury boats and yachts for rent.[20]

Boatsetter has been described as Airbnb for boats.[6][25][26] The platform can be accessed through a mobile app.[18][27]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Boating options grow — even without owning a boat". Chicago Tribune. July 31, 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Boat-sharing firm Boatsetter relocates headquarters to Fort Lauderdale". Chicago Tribune. October 31, 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 "Boat-sharing startup Boatsetter raises $38M".
  4. ↑ Miami Herald (subscription required)
  5. ↑ "The Best Accessory for a Boat Is a Karaoke Machine". Bloomberg. February 15, 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 Zakrzewski, Cat (December 13, 2016). "Betting on Yacht Owners to Join the On-Demand Economy". Wall Street Journal.
  7. ↑ "Shakeout hits tech startups in boat sharing, marine services". Chicago Tribune. September 18, 2015.
  8. ↑ Miami Herald (subscription required)
  9. ↑ Nickelsburg, Monica (August 18, 2017). "Boatsetter brings Boatbound aboard, acquiring Seattle-based ship-sharing startup". GeekWire.
  10. ↑ Constine, Josh (August 17, 2017). "'Airbnb for boats' startup Boatsetter buys competitor Boatbound". TechCrunch.
  11. ↑ Constine, Josh (February 20, 2013). "Introducing 'Boatbound', The Airbnb For Boats". TechCrunch.
  12. ↑ Trela, Christopher (June 26, 2015). "Banish Boat Envy—Own a Boat for a Day with Boatbound".
  13. ↑ "The Airbnb of Boats Weighs Anchor Off the Coast of L.A." Los Angeles. July 2, 2015.
  14. ↑ Weinstein, Joanna (July 16, 2014). "Start-up takes the sharing economy out to sea". CNBC.
  15. ↑ "Boat-sharing firm Boatsetter relocates headquarters to Fort Lauderdale". Sun Sentinel. October 31, 2017.
  16. ↑ Boatsetter announces $10M in Series A funding
  17. ↑ Miami Herald (subscription required)
  18. 1 2 3 Ogletree, Kelsey (July 23, 2020). "A Guide to Renting Your Own Boat, Sensibly". Wall Street Journal.
  19. 1 2 "Boatsetter makes waves with acquisition of Fisher Guiding".
  20. 1 2 Boatsetter CEO Jaclyn Baumgarten will move into new role. Here's who will succeed her
  21. ↑ In Her Own Words: Jaclyn Baumgarten navigates pandemic's rough seas
  22. ↑ Loten, Angus (October 15, 2019). "America's Got Talent, Just Not Enough in IT". WSJ.
  23. ↑ How rent everything through sharing economy The Washington Post. (subscription required)
  24. 1 2 3 "Pier-to-peer boating sharing makes a splash". Chicago Tribune. August 6, 2014.
  25. ↑ Rossingh, Danielle (February 19, 2018). "Setting sail with the 'Airbnb of the seas'". CNN.
  26. ↑ Miami Herald (subscription required)
  27. ↑ Ledsom, Alex. "Airbnb For Boats: Water-Based Sharing Apps Are On The Rise". Forbes.
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