PRAGUE (BRAIN) — Indoor cycling platform Rouvy has acquired competitor Bkool for an undisclosed amount. It's the second indoor app Rouvy purchased this year following the acquisition of FulGaz from the IRONMAN Group in January.
Bkool will continue as an independent brand within The Rouvy Group with the focus initially ensuring the stability and reliability of the platform, according to a news release announcing the acquisition. As with the FulGaz, Rouvy will analyze the Bkool platform to learn what the needs are of its users.
"Bkool joining The Rouvy Group is a significant moment for indoor cycling fans everywhere," said Petr Samek, Rouvy co-founder and CEO and now also the Bkool CEO. "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."
Rouvy has a subscriber base of 250,000 riders, and Samek noted that Rouvy's acquisition allows Bkool to continue to serve its subscribers.
"The financial challenges faced by Bkool have been well documented, with its move away from hardware to focus on the digital experience," he said. "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."
Madrid, Spain-based Bkool started as the maker of indoor trainers. In 2019 it sold its hardware business to focus on its training software.
