The global fitness platform Zwift has completed the acquisition of ROUVY. ROUVY is an indoor cycling app based on real video recordings of routes that helps cyclists achieve their training goals. The collaboration aims to drive growth in the indoor cycling market while both companies continue to operate independently. ROUVY users will have more options when choosing a roller trainer. In the long term, users face the risk of higher prices due to increased concentration in the market. ROUVY took over the BKool and FulGaz platforms last year, thereby reducing the number of competitors on the market. The takeover is immediately noticeable through the extended compatibility of Zwift hardware.
Compatibility of Zwift hardware
Zwift Ready Smart Trainer and Zwift Ride Smart Frames now work with the ROUVY software. This opens up new possibilities within the ROUVY application and makes it easier for new users to get started. Further updates are planned in the coming months. The hardware compatibility creates a bridge between the virtual worlds of Zwift and the real track videos of ROUVY.
Independent operation of both platforms
Zwift and ROUVY will remain independent platforms. Both companies are pursuing different development plans and offer separate subscription models. Petr Samek, CEO and founder of ROUVY, emphasises that ROUVY will remain the same product with the same team. The focus on combining indoor and outdoor training with real routes will continue. The community can continue to count on the usual support for year-round training.
According to a press release, Samek sees the acquisition as a confirmation of what ROUVY has built with its team and the community. Access to the Zwift hardware ecosystem opens up new opportunities to create further experiences in the indoor cycling reality. The collaboration should help both platforms to play to their respective strengths and serve different user needs.
Zwift growth in the indoor cycling market
According to Zwift, the indoor cycling market is currently growing as fast as it last did during the COVID pandemic. The target group is broadening. More and more people are getting on their bikes for the first time via indoor training and are looking for an activity that supports an active lifestyle and long-term health. Eric Min, co-founder and CEO of Zwift, explains the reasons for the acquisition in a press release. ROUVY has developed a strong product and built a global community that shows that there is a large market for real video experiences. The different approaches of the two platforms would complement each other. A duel is increasingly emerging between Zwift and MyWhoosh in the battle for a lucrative growth market. Zwift does not provide any current insight into its figures - however, a USD 450 million minority stake was announced in 2020. At the time, Zwift's enterprise value was set at around one billion dollars. The customer base has grown significantly as a result of the takeover. Last year, ROUVY reported 300,000 subscribers. Zwift does not disclose any official figures on active subscribers - however, the figure of more than one million subscribers is circulating.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
