Millions of people use the social community and activity-tracking platform known as Strava. It has recently purchased Fatmap – a European firm that builds a high-resolution 3D worldwide map platform for a fantastic outdoor experience. The company has not disclosed the terms of the deal so far.
As per Tech Blog JustReviewed, Strava got popular as one of the well-known activity-tracking services in 2009. It has a reputation for driving and organizing fraternities that benefit from the Strava app to converse with fellow athletes, plot routes, and record their activities for posterity through GPS. The company has progressively targeted hikers. In 2022, it unveiled new trail routes and sports options aimed at mountain bikers, trail runners, and walkers.
The Fatmap App
Fatmap emerged a decade ago, focusing on providing high-resolution digital maps to ski resorts. The company has experience working with numerous satellite and aerospace firms to strengthen its platform with comprehensive maps integrating rivers, passes, huts, paths, summits, and more.
With 1.6m registered users, Fatmap arms everyone who wants to venture into high terrain with the data they want to know what they will encounter before arriving. The company has a mission to serve as Google Maps with a premium subscription valued at $30 per annum. It unlocks access to additional features, including route planning and downloadable maps, in the mobile app.
Integration of Fatmap into Strava
Strava aims to integrate Fatmap into its platform, though it will be a resource-intensive attempt that does not happen overnight. Accordingly, Strava plans to create a Single Sign-on or SSO integration, allowing subscribers to access the Fatmap features by signing into the Fatmap app with their Strava identifications.
Although Fatmap and Strava will remain two different products, Strava will decide whether or not Fatmap will be available as a standalone product after technical integration. Michael Horvath, the CEO & co-founder of Strava, resigned in 2013 before he returned as head honcho several years later. He said Strava acquired Fatmap as a part of its ongoing investments to offer the best-in-class digital experience for those who seek an active lifestyle.
According to Horvath, Fatmap developed a map that aims to assist people in exploring outdoors when other map platforms allow navigating cities and streets. He said the company will activate Fatmap technology in Stravas services to empower everyone to discover and strategize an outdoor experience with points of interest, safety information, and curated local guides.
Strava has set up a dedicated team that will integrate Fatmap into its platform in terms of timescales. It hopes to start demonstrating inside Strava from around mid of year. While the company stressed that Fatmap’s technology will be available for free and paid Strava, it will provide features related to discovery, maps, and route-planning to paying subscribers.
Strava earned $150m in funding after it incepted with big-name supporters, including Sequoia Capital – an esteemed Silicon Valley investor. However, the company does not engage in many acquisition activities in its 14-year span. Strava acquired Recover Athletics – an injury prevention app, in May 2022 for an undisclosed figure. The company also purchased Prokit – an online athlete community, two years ago, though Strava did not officially unveil it at that time.