Pond and lake rental platform
Start-up Rentalake announces the launch of its pond/lake rental platform from June 2024. Presented as the Airbnb of ponds and lakes, it allows users to easily rent a body of water to: camp, fish or organize a birthday party, a family celebration in the middle of nature.
The Marseilles-based start-up is tackling the economic development of France's 1 million ponds and lakes, with the aim of preserving ecosystems and offering people in both urban and rural areas a break from the hustle and bustle.
Enhancing the value of France's ponds and lakes
Hugo Gruss and Jean-Baptiste Fariney created Rentalake in 2024, but the concept of enhancing the value of ponds and lakes was born over 10 years ago now. Most recently, they were inspired to develop the project when they saw over 1,000 pond rental ads on Leboncoin.
"We've been pond owners for several generations, we grew up beside a pond and we know that it's a unique ecosystem! Whether you're in the middle of the desert or in the center of France, a body of water attracts a whole unique animal and plant ecosystem - it's the perfect place to recharge your batteries!" explains Hugo, president and co-founder of Rentalake.
Renting a body of water exclusively
The platform references lakes all over France: small, large, comfortable and wild. The platform developed by Rentalake is based on the idea of being able to enjoy an ecosystem without anyone else around. With Rentalake, you rent the exclusivity of the body of water, so you'll never end up with someone you don't know.
"Urbanites need to air out their minds, to connect with nature. With Rentalake, you'll be living in the center, in a zone of total plenitude," explains Jean-Baptiste, Rentalake's co-founding CEO.
Anglers and nature lovers
Rentalake is aimed at anglers looking to fish in exclusive and/or little-fished areas, and has 4 million regular freshwater anglers. Nature lovers, adventurers, campers in converted vans, on bikes or even in camper vans can also take advantage of the platform to spend some quiet time. Finally, there are groups of friends and families who want to organize events such as birthdays. Reservations are made directly online, with rental companies checking availability and then paying online.
"The platform is easy to use, intuitive and, above all, the desire to live an adventure in symbiosis with nature, the perfect place to observe a starry sky," explain Jean-Baptiste and Hugo. The platform is free to use for owners, and is remunerated by a service fee of 20% for renters and 5% for owners.
A real innovation
This is a real innovation in a sector that is still little known. The start-up's ambition is to list 500 water features in France by the end of the year, and 5,000 in over 4 markets within 5 years. The ambition is therefore not limited to France, but extends to Europe.
