Indoor cycling app ROUVY has announced that it has completed the acquisition of BKOOL for an undisclosed sum.
ROUVY notes that it… ‘has achieved significant growth in recent years and has a strong subscriber base of 250,000 riders.
‘This sustained increase has cemented the brand as the clear leader in the reality indoor cycling space, able to better react to movement within the industry, alongside supporting ongoing development of the ROUVY platform as the destination for those seeking more immersive indoor riding experiences.’
BKOOL, with a strong presence in Spain (and Spanish speaking countries), France and Denmark, represents a strategic prospect for ROUVY as it looks to further bolster its position in these territories.
Furthermore, BKOOL’s solution for turning GPX files into 3D virtual routes was seen as complementary to the flagship ROUVY app, its own Route Creator technology, and in aiding ROUVY’s continuing mission to connect the indoor with the outdoor.
Petr Samek, co-founder and CEO of ROUVY (and now also CEO of BKOOL) said “BKOOL joining The ROUVY Group is a significant moment for indoor cycling fans everywhere.
“Our aim is to provide the best possible experiences, value and riding options for riders around the world. Bringing together ROUVY, FulGaz, and now BKOOL unites a wealth of expertise and unique features under one roof, clearly positioning ROUVY as the leader in the indoor cycling reality market.
“This acquisition is another step towards our mission of connecting indoor and outdoor, helping cyclists be better year-round, and empowering our users to achieve their sporting dreams, whatever they may be.
“From simply being fit, to exploring exotic landscapes, even preparing to complete an IRONMAN, now we can better support all riders. We can invest more in product, marketing, and exciting concepts with partners – all to bring more value to athletes.
“We respect BKOOL as a fellow provider of real-route indoor cycling to a passionate user base and are pleased to be able to step in and help it continue. The financial challenges faced by BKOOL have been well documented, with its move away from hardware to focus on the digital experience.”
He continued “ROUVY’s strong know-how and reputation for delivering in the indoor cycling reality market will add a customer-centric approach and benefit the platform’s growth from here on.
“To the ROUVY community, we’d like to assure you that we’ll continue to develop great indoor riding experiences on the ROUVY app. Knowing that ROUVY provides such joy, motivation and purpose to riders around the world is what drives us every day.”
BKOOL will continue as a standalone brand within the ROUVY Group. The focus will initially be on ensuring the stability and reliability of the platform.
From there, ROUVY notes that… ‘just as with the FulGaz acquisition, ROUVY will enter a learning phase, listening to the needs of the existing BKOOL community before looking to shape a longer-term roadmap.’
Alfonso Garcia-Lozano, former CEO of BKOOL, said “ROUVY is a great app which provides a really engaging reality indoor cycling experience.
“It’s impressive to see the brand reach such a globally important level and touch the lives of so many cyclists around the world. We’re delighted to say that rather than competing with ROUVY, BKOOL is joining the ROUVY Group.
“Uniting ROUVY and BKOOL’s strengths and capabilities, and working together collaboratively from here on, will benefit cyclists everywhere.
“For our community, we believe that this new chapter for BKOOL will continue to provide entertaining, meaningful and beneficial indoor cycling experiences and we’re excited to explore the possibilities.”
