What's changing at Fatmap after the takeover by Strava

The fitness tracking app is taking over Fatmap - making the subscription more expensive. CEO Michael Horvath explains what else is changing in an interview.

The fitness tracking app is taking over the 3D map service Fatmap. The integration of the service into the app is intended to make tracking and planning outdoor activities easier and more visually appealing. Strava wants to position itself more strongly in competition with TikTok and Instagram, says CEO Michael Horvath in an interview with t3n. Nothing is known about the purchase price.

This will bring some changes for users of the apps. Subscription prices had already risen shortly before. A subscription now costs 10.99 euros per month, previously it was 7.99 euros. It was the first price increase since the company was founded in 2009. All premium users were adjusted to the same price level, so for some the price doubled, while it remained the same for newer users. Strava CEO Michael Horvath admitted mistakes during the roll-out.

For their money, Strava customers now not only get access to the fitness tracking app, but also to Fatmap's 3D map service. Both apps will continue to exist as independent offerings.

Misha Gopaul and David Cowell founded Fatmap in 2012 and their technology enables users to plan and track outdoor adventures. The company's 50 employees are based in Chamonix, Berlin and Vilnius and, according to the company, support a community that is active in over 100 countries.

The Fatmap takeover is Strava's second acquisition since the summer of 2022, when the company took over Recover Athletics, an injury prevention app. CEO Michael Horvath wants to continuously expand the fitness platform. According to the company, around 100 million people currently use Strava's various functions. For example, users can use the platform to track their sports activities, network with local groups or discover sporting events nearby.

Horvath founded Strava in 2009 together with Mark Gainey. The first sport on the app was cycling. Athletes can now track over 50 disciplines on their smartwatches and other devices. Nine were added recently, including tennis, squash and Pilates.