Startup Snapshot: HLBRO
In 2015, when platforms like Airbnb were still reshaping how people thought about lodging, Heath Schubert spotted an untapped niche: private land access for hunters.
That year, he co-founded HLRBO in Brainerd with Cookie Lithyouvong and Matt Simon, launching a marketplace that connects hunters with landowners willing to lease their property. The concept mirrors Airbnb’s model.
At first, the founders relied on word of mouth, but in their founding year they purchased a list of landowners and cold-called them to pitch the idea of monetizing their property. That hands-on approach helped build the platform’s initial inventory, Lithyouvong says.
HLRBO now has 210,000 active users and offers more than 1.5 million acres of private land to rent in both Canada and the U.S. The company generates revenue from subscription fees and a 14% transaction fee per booking, paid by the hunter. The business model does not impose costs on the landowner.
Traditionally, HLRBO has required hunters to sign a 12-month lease, which still dominates the market, especially for deer hunting. The company recently introduced short-term bookings, allowing hunters to rent for a weekend or week, broadening its appeal to more casual users.
HRLBO has raised $3.5 million in multiple funding rounds, positioning it for continued growth in the outdoor marketplace.
HQ: Brainerd
Inc: 2015
Founders: Cookie Lithyouvong, Heath Schubert, and Matt Simon.
Website hlrbo.com
