Slingshot rental company RVA Hot Wheelz opened a storefront last month at 3107 Old Hilliard Drive in Henrico, giving the buzzy local startup its first brick-and-mortar presence.
Co-founders and twin sisters Dashia and Destiny Oliver started the company in June 2022. The sisters won three pitch contests — the Metropolitan Business League, Pitch RVA and Something in the Water music festival’s “Pull up and Pitch” contest — in 2023. They also won $5,000 at the Center Street Pitch Competition just last month.
“Those victories fueled our business expansion, enabling us to boost marketing efforts, community engagement, secure a storefront location and expand our team of employees,” Dashia said.
The twins originally wanted to get into the luxury car business but realized Slingshot rentals would be something new for the city.
“We wanted to bring entertainment to Richmond,” Dashia said. “We've seen it in other cities.”
Customers have driven RVA Hot Wheelz’s Slingshots to North Carolina, D.C and Virginia Beach, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
The company operates as a partner with Polaris Inc., the Medina, Minnesota-based maker of the Slingshot vehicles probably best known for its snowmobiles and ATVs. Dashia said RVA Hot Wheelz is considered a “Polaris outfitter.” She declined to disclose revenue.
The company acquired seven units this year. Dashia declined to say how much RVA Hot Wheelz paid to acquire the new vehicles.
“Polaris Slingshots typically range in price from $27,000 to $38,000, varying based on the specific model and year,” Dashia said.
The sisters plan to expand the business and hire more employees in 2024.
“One of our goals right now is to have a team set up by the summertime,” Dashia said.
RVA Hot Wheelz Slingshots can be rented for $50 an hour. The company charges $399 for the entire day. Customers must be over 21 years of age and must provide a refundable deposit of $500 or $750.