What will happen to Runna after Strava buyout?
Users are questioning the future of Runna after Stava obtained it for future growth.
Image by Runna
Users are questioning the future of Runna after Stava obtained it for future growth.
Strava has announced the acquisition of Runna, a training and coaching application for runners.
In an official statement, Strava's chief executive officer, Michael Martin, shared that the company's decision to reach an agreement with Runna came after it increased its growth and was looking for new ways to provide users with more value.
He also revealed that last year almost a billion runs were recorded on Strava. Martin also shared that with Runna, the main goal is to provide users with a more personalized plan that will help them reach their goals.
According to Strava’s data, running became the fastest-growing sport worldwide, with 43% of Strava runners getting ready for a race or event this year.
“Demand for training plans has grown quickly as more athletes look for personalized guidance,” states the company.
The news started a discussion online, with Strava and Runna users eager to know if one of the apps would have to go.
“Hopefully a rebrand to Strunna,” joked one user.
“Or runnava,” wrote another.
The company shared that the apps will be kept separate for now, with Strava planning to invest in Runna and its app development.
“I’m wondering how they combine the payments for both services,” shared another Redditor, with others stating that this won’t happen since “Strava will just integrate Runna’s IP and features.”
However, other users questioned the future of Runna, stating that it could get “killed” by Strava.
A user named “alex-runna,” shared that “this is good news, and we’re excited in Runna HQ.” They also confirmed that the business will stay separate with separate apps and roadmaps, with “Runna [getting] to benefit from Strava’s huge brand and distribution.”
However, some remain skeptical, seeing the acquisition as the beginning of the end for Runna.
“As someone that has gone through three corporate takeovers, you have about a year of independence while they figure out the intergration plan, expect to be fully integrated in two years,” wrote one user.