Strava’s IPO Plans Fueled by Gen Z Fitness Boom
▼ Summary
– Strava is preparing for an initial public offering to raise capital for acquisitions, as reported by the Financial Times.
– The company, valued at $2.2 billion in May, is backed by investors including Sequoia Capital, TCV, and Jackson Square Ventures.
– Strava’s user base has grown to 50 million monthly active users in 2025, nearly double its closest competitor, with an 80% year-over-year increase in downloads.
– The app’s growth aligns with a cultural shift toward running as a social and mental health activity, especially among younger people seeking alcohol-free socializing.
– Strava monetizes through subscriptions, with over $180 million spent by consumers through September, plus revenue from sponsored challenges and brand partnerships.
The fitness tracking platform Strava is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering, capitalizing on a significant surge in popularity driven by younger users. According to a recent Financial Times interview with CEO Michael Martin, the San Francisco-based company intends to go public “at some point,” aiming to secure capital for future acquisitions. Backed by prominent investors including Sequoia Capital, TCV, and Jackson Square Ventures, Strava was last valued at $2.2 billion earlier this year.
Strava’s momentum is undeniable, with its user base expanding dramatically to reach 50 million monthly active users. Data from Sensor Tower indicates this figure nearly doubles that of its nearest competitor, while app downloads have increased by an impressive 80% compared to the previous year. This growth aligns with broader cultural changes, especially among teenagers and twenty-somethings who are increasingly choosing alcohol-free social activities like group runs.
Many runners are drawn not only to the physical benefits but also to the mental wellness advantages of finding supportive communities, and occasionally even romance, through the app. The rising interest is further evidenced by a 31% jump in applications for the 2026 London Marathon, which attracted 1.1 million hopeful participants.
A key element of Strava’s appeal lies in its ability to transform exercise into a form of social engagement. Features like giving “kudos” and comparing performance splits motivate users and foster a sense of connection. The platform’s subscription service has proven highly lucrative, with Sensor Tower estimating consumer spending exceeding $180 million through September. However, Strava notes this figure substantially underrepresents its true subscription revenue. Additional income is generated through sponsored fitness challenges and collaborations with various brands, strengthening the company’s financial standing as it moves toward a potential public listing.
(Source: TechCrunch)