Relive, a Rotterdam-based app known for transforming outdoor activities into shareable 3D visual stories, has announced its acquisition of JOIN, an Amsterdam-based adaptive cycling training app. This move underscores both companies’ aim to develop a broader range of health and fitness tools designed for active lifestyles globally. Relive, which already serves a community of over 20 million users, seeks to integrate JOIN’s training expertise to enhance its offerings. The acquisition reflects the growing demand for fitness technology that accommodates diverse user needs and promotes personal wellness.
What motivated Relive’s acquisition of JOIN?
Relive and JOIN will continue to operate under their individual brands but will share resources to grow and refine their services. While Relive specializes in creating visual stories of outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, JOIN provides personalized training programs that adapt based on user performance. With over 400 structured workouts and integrations with platforms such as Garmin, Wahoo, Strava, and Zwift, JOIN has positioned itself as a versatile tool for cyclists. By merging Relive’s storytelling capabilities with JOIN’s performance-driven approach, the companies aim to offer an enhanced user experience for fitness enthusiasts.
How does this acquisition align with future plans?
The acquisition is part of a larger strategy to build a comprehensive portfolio of fitness apps. Relive plans to introduce a running training app later this year while exploring other opportunities for growth through acquisitions and in-house app development. According to Lex Daniels, founder and CEO of Relive, the integration of JOIN allows them to help cyclists improve their performance without risking overtraining, thanks to the app’s adaptive features. JOIN’s founder, Jim van den Berg, highlighted the shared vision of both companies to inspire healthier and more adventurous lifestyles by combining technology with community-focused approaches.
Relive, established in 2016, has built its brand around outdoor exploration and community engagement. Its app transforms GPS data into immersive 3D videos, enabling users to share their activities with others. JOIN, founded in 2020 by former professional cyclist Jim van den Berg, complements this by offering data-driven, personalized training plans tailored to cyclists of all skill levels. This synergy between the two platforms strengthens their ability to appeal to a wider audience.
Similar acquisitions in the fitness tech sector have previously highlighted the potential for merging training-focused apps with lifestyle-oriented platforms. For example, Strava and Peloton have both pursued integrations with complementary services to expand their ecosystems. Unlike those cases, Relive and JOIN’s collaboration emphasizes personalization and adaptability, which could set them apart in a competitive market.
The collaboration between Relive and JOIN illustrates a trend in fitness technology to offer holistic solutions that cater to both casual and dedicated users. By combining Relive’s visual storytelling with JOIN’s performance optimization, the partnership aims to attract users seeking diverse fitness tools. For consumers, this integration could mean more comprehensive features, such as tailored training plans and engaging ways to document progress.
Relive’s acquisition of JOIN highlights the evolving landscape of fitness apps, where personalization and community are increasingly valued. As these companies continue to develop their offerings, users can expect a range of tools designed to make fitness both accessible and enjoyable. This partnership also reflects a broader trend in health tech to combine practical functionality with engaging user experiences, ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.
