AutoCamp sells luxury camping in Airstream suites and cabins. But instead of going to big banks for growth money, it's asking its own customers to chip in.
The surge in interest for AutoCamp mirrors a broader trend of Americans flocking to national parks. AutoCamp's occupancy rate is 90% for the Fourth of July weekend. Room revenue is up 20% from last year, and average daily rates have climbed 15%. The company's partnership with Hilton is paying off too - direct bookings on Hilton's platform jumped 30%.
AutoCamp offers a luxury camping experience without the hassle of buying gear. "It's really kind of that cross-section of tapping into people's nostalgia of what they remember from when they were young but also creating an environment to make memories with their families and children," said Bryan Terzi, chief commercial officer of AutoCamp.
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AutoCamp is using SEC-regulated crowdfunding, which lets companies raise up to $5 million per year from regular people. In this offer, a $10,000 investment comes with a 2% bonus of additional shares, a 4% base share award, and a $400 gift card for bookings. The company raised its money through DealMaker, a crowdfunding platform.
According to Rebecca Kacaba, DealMaker's CEO and co-founder, "They're putting money into businesses they understand firsthand: tangible products, real experiences, brands they've already interacted with. That alignment between consumer behavior and investment is something retail investors find increasingly appealing."
Other hospitality brands are doing the same. On StartEngine, Overthrow Hospitality - a company focused on plant-based food and drink - secured nearly a million dollars from 403 investors. Another example is MAF Hospitality, an Italian-themed restaurant and hotel chain, currently raising capital via Wefunder.
AutoCamp's loyal customers are becoming brand advocates. "These customers that are staying with us, then they're investing with us, and then it's really exciting to see them tell 10 friends about, 'Hey, I had a great experience, I loved it so much, I invested in the brand and their growth, and I want you to come check it out as well,'" said Terzi.
Crowdfunding does come with risk. Wefunder warns: "Startups either win big or go bankrupt. You could lose all your money. Consider them more like socially-good lottery tickets."
AutoCamp, founded in 2013, now operates nine luxury camping sites across the U.S., including locations near Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Cape Cod. The company's Airstream suites and custom cabins offer amenities like kitchens, private bathrooms, and outdoor fire pits. By leveraging SEC-regulated crowdfunding, AutoCamp aims to expand its footprint while deepening customer loyalty.
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