SUP and kayak rentals—as well as yachts, motorcraft and other boats—got a big boost recently when Foster City, Calif.’s GetMyBoat, the world’s largest boat rental and water experience marketplace, announced that Japan’s Yanmar has acquired a majority stake in the business and injected $21M in growth capital as part of the Series B round. The funding will be used to expand the team and accelerate international growth plans as travel markets reopen. GetMyBoat will continue to be run by the current executive team as a stand-alone entity.
“GetMyBoat is the world’s leading marketplace for boat rentals and water experiences, and shares Yanmar’s desire to deliver rich and fulfilling experiences to its customers,” said Shiori Nagata, Chief Strategy Officer for Yanmar. “Yanmar is continuing its commitment to using advanced technology to transform into a consumer-focused brand via this acquisition. Together, we’re not only shaping the next generation of marine recreation but also reaching future generations of consumers globally.”
Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Yanmar is a global company with more than 110 years of history in the marine industry, working with GetMyBoat since its initial investment in 2018. Since 2019, GetMyBoat has exceeded 10X net revenue growth and grown to offer over 150,000 boats and water experiences across 9,300 destinations. Yanmar sees GetMyBoat as the key player in the growth of the recreational boating industry, with the company on track to send 2 million people boating before the end of 2022.
Staying the Course
Yanmar expects the GetMyBoat acquisition and growth capital to help drive its digital transformation across its diverse business domains in the recreational marine industry. Yanmar has no intention to change GetMyBoat but rather assist in the company’s global ambitions as the established and dominant player in the industry.
“Working closely with Yanmar during the past four years has been an incredible experience. Yanmar recognized very early the vision, and reality, of GetMyBoat,” said Sascha Mornell, CEO & Co-Founder of GetMyBoat. “We mutually share a passion to democratize boating globally. Having Yanmar’s support, partnership, and growth capital will give us the opportunity to truly realize this dream. The future ahead for GetMyBoat and Yanmar working together is very bright.”
About GetMyBoat: GetMyBoat launched in 2013 in San Francisco. It has grown to be the world’s largest boat and watercraft rental marketplace. With over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations, there’s something for everyone, worldwide. The platform is available online and on mobile apps for iOS & Android.
For more information: www.getmyboat.com.