In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and innovators working on our next generation of new business startups, social enterprises and small businesses.
At a glance
Founders: Marc Featherstone, Liz Featherstone
Business: OutdoorHQ
Founded: 2020
HQ: Canterbury
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
OutdoorHQ is a unique marketplace that provides outdoor enthusiasts with access to self-guided adventures on private property. Imagine a world where adventurers can explore vast and stunning private properties, revel in the thrill of self-guided adventures, and discover hidden natural wonders while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with safe and legal access. Our platform makes this possible by connecting adventurers with a network of private landowners who offer exclusive access to some of the most spectacular outdoor destinations on the planet.
Moreover, OutdoorHQ empowers landowners to assume control by providing them with a potent user management and booking system, vetted and insured users, PCBU Health and Safety support, and an additional source of income.
On the other side of the coin, outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the platform’s diverse range of unique land options suitable for various activities, including fishing, hunting, mountain biking, camper van adventures, horse trekking, and more. With OutdoorHQ, both landowners and adventurers can benefit from a seamless and efficient platform that caters to their needs and interests.
What’s the backstory for your business idea?
OutdoorHQ was originally established in 2020 under the name HuntingHQ, as I had a personal need to locate farms for self guided hunting purposes and recognizing a potential opportunity. We developed a minimum viable product (MVP) to test product-market fit, which exceeded our expectations.
Consequently, we acquired properties all across New Zealand. Other outdoor enthusiasts began to approach us to inquire about accessing our farms for their self guided recreational activities. We approached the farmers, who reasoned that since we had met their requirements and successfully managed hunters, the rest of the outdoor enthusiasts would be a “no-brainer.”
As a result, we rebranded as OutdoorHQ and officially launched in January 2023. Our market size has quadrupled, and the response has been even better than we expected.
What programmes, learning or mentoring have been of assistance so far?
- We’ve received substantial assistance from https://ministryofawesome.com/ with regards to networking and learning.
- As a novice in the SaaS/marketplace industry, I found the Marketplace Academy Podcast by https://www.sharetribe.com/ to be particularly beneficial.
- As well as New Zealand’s SaaS business community at https://www.kiwisaas.com/.
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