Guidesly, a standout from 43North’s 2023 cohort, has made significant strides since relocating to Buffalo. The company recently secured a $9.5 million Series A funding round, led by Aspen Capital Group, with participation from YETI Capital, HalfCourt Ventures, Derive Ventures, Elysian Park Ventures, and Marquee Ventures. This investment will fuel Guidesly’s expansion into new outdoor verticals and global markets.
Buffalo-based Guidesly secures $9.5 million Series A
By Lian Bunny – Reporter, Buffalo Business First
A company that moved to Buffalo about a year ago is raising millions to support its growth.
Guidesly, a software platform for outdoor recreation guides, recently announced it has closed a $9.5 million Series A funding round. The business moved in early 2024 to Buffalo from Topsfield, Massachusetts, after winning a $1 million prize in the 2023 43North Finals.
“Our first year in Buffalo has been great,” said David Lord, CEO and founder. “My 43North experience was tremendous.”
The round was led by Aspen Capital Group, a specialist in vertical software as a service and artificial intelligence. YETI Capital, formed by the founders of YETI coolers, HalfCourt Ventures, and Derive Ventures, also participated, along with existing investors Elysian Park Ventures and Marquee Ventures.
Another about 20 individuals invested in the round, including some locally based investors who reached out to the startup based on the 43North Finals and competition process overall.
Guidesly has grown 300% year-over-year when it comes to revenue and the number of guides utilizing its platform, which helps guides run their business such as creating websites, handling payments and back office work. That accomplishment was made without investing in marketing, according to Lord.
The company wanted to first focus on creating great products, selling it to guides and providing great customer service before focusing on scaling and marketing.
Now, the Series A funding will go toward accelerating the expansion of the company’s vertical AI solutions, growing its consumer marketplace and positioning the business to scale globally across new outdoor verticals.
The startup, founded in 2019, has focused primarily on fishing but has expanded as guides reached out Guidesly, leading to growth into wildlife, hunting and water and snow sports
The business, which employs about 15 locally, plans to add 20 U.S. hires in 2025. Lord said he hopes for all 20 to be in Buffalo.
Having the Queen City as its headquarters has been great for the company, he added, from 43North’s help, the other portfolio startups that work together and the local community.
“One of the underappreciated elements of 43North is how they make culture easy, because they make the culture for you,” Lord said. “As a CEO, you don’t have to take on that kind of responsibility. … I think not enough people take advantage of the great programs 43North has.”
Guidesly is the third local company to acknowledge a private, growth-oriented round of funding this year. The list includes Guidesly ($9.5M), 3AM Innovations ($750,000) and Arbol ($250,000).
