Strava, an app that tracks cycling and running activities via GPS, has landed $18.5 million in Series D funding led by Sequoia Capital. The round also saw participation from existing investors Sigma West and Madrone Capital Partners. Michael Moritz, Chairman of Sequoia Capital will be an adviser to Strava.
“Strava is building tomorrow’s sporting network in the manner that Facebook and LinkedIn have developed today’s social and professional networks,” said Mr. Moritz in a press release.
The fitness app taps GPS and sensors on smart devices to monitor activity logs, with integration to other social media platforms also available.
Founded in 2009, the San Francisco-based Strava, has grown this year with availability in 11 languages across 23 different sports and approximately three million activities being tracked and shared by the Strava community each week. Strava CEO Mark Gainey plans to use the funding for “growth expansion,” reports Recode.
“We’re now approaching the point where 75 percent of our users exist outside of the U.S.,” he pointed out. “We’re also seeing that people are using Strava across multiple sports, so we’re exploring how to build out the service in an authentic way in all areas of sports.”
Strava, a free app with a premium version as well, runs on iOS and Android devices, has also rolled out Strava Metro, an online repository of running and cycling routes based on user information.
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(Image credit: Strava)
