This is what changes at Fatmap after the acquisition by Strava

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

The fitness tracking app is acquiring 3D mapping service Fatmap. By integrating the service into the app, tracking and planning outdoor activities should become easier and more visually appealing. With this, 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 a purchase price.

For users of the apps, this will bring some changes. The subscription prices already increased shortly before. Now a subscription costs 10.99 euros per month, previously it was 7.99 euros. It was the first price increase since the app was founded in 2009. All premium users were adjusted to the same price level, so for some the price doubled, while for newer users it stayed the same. Strava CEO Michael Horvath admitted mistakes here during the roll-out.

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

Misha Gopaul and David Cowell founded Fatmap in 2012, and their technology allows users to plan and track outdoor adventures. The company's 50 employees are based in Chamonix, Berlin and Vilnius and say they serve a community that is active in more than 100 countries.

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

Horvath founded Strava in 2009 together with Mark Gainey. The first sport on the app was cycling. Meanwhile, athletes can track more than 50 disciplines via their smartwatches, among other things. Nine have only recently been added, including tennis, squash and Pilates.