The Great Outdoors: Where Technology and Recreation Collide
As the world grapples with the consequences of the pandemic, a curious phenomenon has emerged: people are obsessed with outdoor activities. From golf to fishing to pickleball, the great outdoors has never been more popular. But what’s behind this sudden surge in interest, and what does it mean for the industry?
The Boom
By the end of 2023, a staggering 175.8 million people in the United States alone were participating in outdoor activities, a 57% increase from pre-pandemic levels. The Outdoor Industry Association is thrilled, but industry insiders know that this growth has also exposed a glaring lack of innovation. The same old cash payments, phone bookings, and legacy gear companies that dominated the market for decades are no match for the demands of the modern consumer.
The Revolution
Enter the entrepreneurs. In the past few years, startups have popped up left and right, leveraging technology to transform the outdoor recreation industry. AI-powered tee time finders, booking platforms for guided hunts and fishing trips, and even apps that help you locate pickleball courts have become the norm. Kevin Durant, the NBA superstar, has even invested in a pickleball startup. It’s clear that the market is ripe for disruption.
VCs Are Watching
Venture capitalists are taking notice, too. In 2019, they invested $48.6 million in 25 sports tech companies. By 2021, that number had skyrocketed to $949.26 million and 53 companies. Even during the VC winter of 2023, investments still totaled $189.71 million and 43 companies – a 290% increase from 2019’s pre-pandemic levels.
Behavioral Shifts
Benjamin Lazarov, co-founder and CEO of AnyCreek, a startup building booking and back-end business software for fishing and hunting guides, credits the pandemic with accelerating the adoption of technology in the outdoor recreation industry. "People are no longer willing to go back to the old way of doing things," he says. "They want technology to make their recreational lives easier, just like it has in their work and personal lives."
Experience Economy
Scott Holloway, a managing partner at Starting Line and investor in AnyCreek, agrees. "People, especially younger generations, are increasingly looking to spend more money on experiences than physical things," he notes. "This trend has been well-documented, and companies building the tech to power those experience-based transactions are in a smart position."
Gear Up
But it’s not just about booking platforms and software. The rise of the experience economy has also given birth to a new wave of startups supplying gear, clothes, and accessories for the new hobbyists. From Eastside Golf to Malbon Golf, these companies are capitalizing on the demand for stylish, high-tech equipment that reflects the consumer’s desire for unique experiences.
The Future is Now
As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the market is massive, and the potential for growth is immense. As Marc Andreessen so aptly put it, "software is eating the world," and the outdoor recreation industry is no exception. The question is, will entrepreneurs and VCs alike seize this opportunity to ride the wave of innovation and revolutionize the way we experience the great outdoors?
Author: Kayitsi.com
