BUFFALO, N.Y., — Guidesly, the leading software platform for outdoor recreation guides, today announced the successful close of its $9.5 million Series A funding round. This round was led by Aspen Capital Group, with participation from YETI Capital, HalfCourt Ventures, and Derive Ventures, along with existing investors, including Elysian Park Ventures and Marquee Ventures, marking a pivotal step in Guidesly’s journey.
The investment accelerates the expansion of Guidesly’s Vertical AI solutions, seamlessly integrating advanced technology to enhance the thousands of guides currently building their businesses on the Guidesly platform. The round will also grow Guidesly’s consumer marketplace and position Guidesly to scale globally across new outdoor verticals.
“We are thrilled to have the support of Aspen Capital Group and the continued trust of our early investors,” said David Lord, CEO of Guidesly. “This investment validates our vision and strategy, enabling us to scale rapidly while delivering transformative solutions for guides and their customers. We’re excited to push the boundaries of innovation in the outdoor industry and redefine what’s possible with cutting-edge software.”
Aspen Capital Group partners with Vertical SaaS founders and entrepreneurs to drive growth, foster successful business initiatives, and provide the resources needed to achieve lasting success. Aspen’s deep expertise and extensive experience in Vertical SaaS and Vertical AI make them an exceptional partner to support the execution of key initiatives and drive transformational growth.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with David and his visionary team,” said John Gordy, a General Partner at Aspen Capital Group. “Guidesly’s innovative approach, proven execution, deep commitment, and unwavering focus on solving real challenges for their guides sets them apart. The outdoor recreation industry is navigating a convergence of transformative forces, and Guidesly’s Vertical AI platform is the leading solution. Guidesly empowers guides worldwide with state-of-the-art technology to better manage their business while delivering exceptional value to their customers. With a dedicated focus on guide solutions and delivering substantial ROI, Guidesly is positioned as the industry leader and poised for exponential growth.”
The founders of YETI coolers formed YETI Capital, bringing a rich history in the outdoor industry to startups like Guidesly. “With our deep experience in, and passion for, the outdoor market, we are thoroughly impressed not just by Guidesly’s technical expertise and advanced AI capabilities, but equally importantly, their deep understanding of the people and the businesses these solutions serve,” added Maxx Karr, partner at YETI Capital. “We are thrilled to join the team.”
Guidesly is on a path to becoming the premier provider of technology solutions to the outdoor recreation industry, utilizing AI technology to optimize and streamline guide workflows. With a focus on delivering measurable ROI for guides and outdoor enthusiasts, Guidesly seeks to enhance business operations, improve customer experiences, and create long-term value for all stakeholders.
About Guidesly
Guidesly is a workflow optimization platform and marketplace for the outdoor recreational industry. Guidesly connects outdoor enthusiasts with trusted Outdoor Recreational guides, including fishing, hunting, snow sports, and water sports guides through leading-edge tools that improve the customer experience. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Guidesly is run by a team of proven entrepreneurs from mission-driven consumer tech companies, award-winning designers, and proven experts in building cloud-based software platforms and businesses. For more information, visit www.guidesly.com.
About Aspen Capital Group
Aspen Capital Group is a growth equity firm that partners with founders and entrepreneurs to build industry-leading vertical market software companies. Aspen Capital’s approach to creating value focuses on identifying and continuously driving toward the key product and customer initiatives required to achieve and maintain market leadership. Aspen Capital brings significant expertise and resources to founders and entrepreneurs looking to build leading companies. For more information, visit aspencapgroup.com.
YETI Capital is an investment vehicle created by the Founders* of YETI Holdings, Inc. (YETI: NYSE) (“YETI”). YETI Capital is not affiliated in any way with YETI.