In 2019, Herman DeBoard reshaped the gig economy landscape with a virtual experience app. Today, his platform connects travelers with human guides in over 50 fascinating countries.Huvr is a groundbreaking platform that allows users to explore the world from the comfort of their own homes. By leveraging the gig economy, Huvr connects users with local guides, historians, and enthusiasts who conduct live virtual tours. These local experts provide a personal touch by offering unique, authentic insights into various destinations.
Bringing sci-fi into real-world innovation
DeBoard’s spark of innovation came as he watched Jake Sully, a paralyzed former Marine, use a futuristic pod to teleport to a new world in James Cameron’s hit blockbuster film “Avatar.” Inspired, DeBoard realized his present-day coding skills could transform the movie’s sci-fi plot into reality.“The app we created is essentially like Lyft or Uber, but instead of connecting riders to drivers, we connect virtual travelers to human walkers,” DeBoard explains. “When users visit our platform, they select a walker and instantly see and hear the sights and sounds of that location through the walker’s mobile device.”