BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Strava user Kevin Weil – a big-hitter in social media – has joined the tracking-app’s board. Strava has also secured investment from Brazil, one of its fastest growing locations.
Weil is head of product at Instagram and the former senior vice president of product at Twitter where he was responsible for product marketing, and design including the video apps Vine and Periscope.
He abandoned a Ph.D in theoretical particle physics at Stanford University in the bike-friendly city of Palo Alto to pursue a tech career.
Weil – an ultra-runner and cyclist – has been using Strava member some time.
He said: “The fitness category deserves its own network for social engagement among like-minded individuals.
“I’m excited to be invited to Strava’s board at a time when they are rapidly becoming the primary way that athletes connect.
“Strava is, and will continue to be, a place where athletes like myself can continue to interact, inspire and motivate each other.”
Strava CEO Mark Gainey, co-founder of the business in 2009 with Michael Horvath, said: “Kevin is a tremendous addition to the team.
“We are focused on building a highly-experienced board with backgrounds spanning sports, fitness, software development and technology platforms that were the first of their kind.
“Kevin’s knowledge will bring our team a fresh perspective that helps us continue the rapid growth and support of our global community of athletes.”
In 2014, Strava secured $18.5 million in a fourth wave of venture capital funding led by Sequoia Capital along with Jackson Square Partners and Madrone Capital Partners.
Those investors are joined by Brazilian investors led by Go4it.
“Being an athlete is universal, and the passion and growth we’ve seen in the Brazilian market are impressive,” said Gainey.
