People’s Champion Finalist: Much Better Adventures

Start-up name: Much Better Adventures
Founders: Alex Narracott, Sam Bruce and Guy Bowden 
Started in: 2012
Based in: London
Business description: Online marketplace for tailor-made adventure and activity holidays

Shortlisted category:

Service Business of the Year

The Much Better Adventures Story:

Startups.co.uk was first introduced to fast-growth adventure holiday marketplace Much Better Adventures when it featured in our prestigious Startups 100 list. The young business caught our eye (and daydreams) due to its enticing concept – tailor made holidays for “thrill seeking” skiers that challenge a marketplace currently dominated by outdated and irrelevant holiday companies.

After three years working in the industry and witnessing both the consumer need for access to better holiday providers and the difficulties independent holiday businesses faced when trying to compete with big tour operators, founders Alex Narracott, Sam Bruce and Guy Bowden spotted an opportunity.

Asking customers to fill out just one form listing all their requirements, the Much Better Adventures platform then shares these requests with local and independent businesses who pitch the user with bespoke deals. A win win for both parties, it’s no surprise the start-up has seen explosive growth since launching in 2012.

With £3m in ski holiday sales and over £1m turnover this year alone, the burgeoning start-up also secured a place in the Duke of York’s Pitch@Palace event, joined the latest Seedcamp cohort and gained investment from multiple investors including the creators of Nokia’s Snake.

The business – which also has a social arm whereby a percentage of each booking goes into grassroots conservation and sustainable development projects – has ambitious plans for 2016. Alongside growing its team and increasing its offering to include new destinations and types of adventure holidays, the start-up has grand plans to go after huge international markets including the US and Australia.

Why Much Better Adventures made our 60:

The holiday marketplace is making big waves with its unique yet straightforward offering, managing to stand out in an established and crowded marketplace. With its social arm, strong turnover and impressive backers – Much Better Adventures looks to have the whole package.

Where to find out more about Much Better Adventures:

Website: www.muchbetteradventures.com
Twitter: twitter.com/muchbetteradven
Facebook: facebook.com/muchbetteradventures