In July 2022, Hamburg-based startup Strandbutler announced the closing of a 1.2 million euro seed financing round. Now here is the next success story: Strandbutler acquires competitor BeachBuddy and, as a result, offers its online beach chair rental service at more than 70 locations on the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
More than 60 municipalities and beach chair rental companies, such as at popular seaside resorts like Kampen, Cuxhaven or Usedom, already offer the option of booking beach chairs via Strandbutler. In addition, there are other services, such as ordering food from the beach chair. It is also possible to sell beach articles or events such as mudflat walks directly from the beach chair via QR code.
In 2023, Strandbutler plans to significantly expand its offerings
Through the merger with BeachBuddy, a startup from Baden-Württemberg, not only the number of locations, but also the offerings will be expanded again for the 2023 season for all customers. These include digital locks that can be opened at any time either with a smartphone or with a chip card. Visitors' tax or beach access fees can also be purchased and verified digitally. The software can also be used by beach chair rental companies on site to manage their bookings.
Together, more than 50,000 bookings have already been made via Strandbutler and BeachBuddy. After the merger with BeachBuddy, the Hamburg-based startup plans to cover 100 beaches next year. Strand & Mehr GmbH, which operates under the brand Strandbutler, was founded by an experienced trio. Bernhard Sourdeau has already gained startup experience at the fintech payever and the gastronomy marketplace Ritual, Christian Henk contributes know-how from the fields of e-commerce and real estate, and CTO Jens Hinrichs has also spent many years in the digital economy.
