Founded in 2022, the company BedBoat offers to accommodate tourists in the ports. An innovation that is achieving success in the height of summer.
France boasts no less than one million leisure boats in its ports. On the French Riviera, a large number of them lie dormant for most of the year. It was based on this observation that Félix Nacach had the idea to create BedBoat. He explains the concept to us.
How was the concept created?
“I co-founded BedBoat during my studies, in May 2022. It stems from an alarming observation. When you live on the French Riviera, you see thousands of unused boats in the ports, and France has a million of them. As someone working in tourism, I noticed they are never used. Each year, the average usage of boats is ten days. Our story began with an invitation extended to a friend on a vessel, and he loved the experience. With this trial, we wanted to offer it to other people. Generally, when we are on the French Riviera, we stroll along the port, admire the ships, and dream of sleeping on them. We want to make the project accessible to everyone. Owners have expenses to estimate, and they refuse to go to sea.
How did you receive funding from the European Union and EasyJet?
We applied to programs, completed the forms, and after that, the institutions choose them based on their characteristics. Initially, we received 4,200 euros, and in the meantime, we have received other funding. (The Nice-based startup received financial support from the European program Futourism worth €30,000. As for the EasyJet foundation, they granted them a donation of €20,000.)
What is the process for using the boat?
The owner registers on the BedBoat platform. Like Airbnb, the person must fill out a form with the boat’s information. This includes the number of cabins, the size of the boat…
In creating the project, did you aim to target a large portion of people?
We wanted to set up the project for those who are passionate about it but cannot afford to try the experience. The starting price is from €60 per night. (Prices vary depending on the type of boat. There are yachts, motorboats, catamarans, sailboats, and barges.)
How do you manage potential damage to rented boats?
We take a sizable deposit on each transaction, similar to a car rental. A collaboration with an insurer ensures protection in case of any damage caused. This guarantee allows us to select clients according to predefined rules.
What challenges have you faced?
Regulation is an important point; it is necessary to properly regulate the sector. Furthermore, it is essential to prevent any damage to the material. If such is the case, the damage is minor and can be easily repaired thanks to the guarantee. In our case, we had a damaged door, the toilets too… ”
