The holidays-on-wheels market is yet another sector to attract interest from the sharing economy. Campanda.com offers its customers more than 21,000 motorhomes and trailers for rental in 600 towns and cities in 32 different countries. Through Campanda’s online platform, customers can rent these vehicles from both professional rental firms and private individuals. In May 2015, three new investors – Ringier Digital Ventures, Ecomobility Ventures and Accel Partners – will join Campanda’s existing investors, b-to-v Partners and Atlantic Internet. The transaction will commit an additional 5 million euros to Campanda, further accelerating its expansion.
Campanda, which was founded in 2013, has substantial growth potential. Some 16 million eligible vehicles are registered worldwide and, on average, these remain unused for 11 months of the year. Campanda puts interested travelers in touch with motorhome and trailer owners. Travelers benefit from the huge range of vehicles available in 32 different countries, while owners are able to generate rental income from their motorhome or camper van while they are not using it themselves. In return for a commission, Campanda deals with insurance, handover, servicing, security, payments and any damage which may occur.
As David Hug, Ringier Digital Ventures AG’s Managing Director, sees it: «Campanda is expanding into one of the last unoccupied areas of the shared-travel market. We see substantial future potential for this online platform and intend to use Ringier’s media capabilities to develop its market presence further, particularly in Switzerland.»
In the words of Chris Möller, the founder of Campanda GmbH: «We are delighted to have three additional investors on board. Ringier Digital Ventures will be able to provide us with significant support in expanding our business, particularly in Switzerland.»
Ringier Digital Ventures, the venture-capital firm established by Ringier in 2015, has total investments of CHF 30 million and plans to carry out between five and eight new transactions each year, in either a lead-investor or co-investor role.
Ringier AG, Corporate Communications
