Investment will further the company’s market leadership in the outdoor activity sector
AllTrails, the most trusted and used digital guide to the outdoors, today announced that it has raised $150 million from the growth fund of global private equity firm Permira, which backs leading tech-enabled and digital businesses. As part of the transaction, Spectrum Equity will remain the company’s majority shareholder. The investment will accelerate the company’s product development and international expansion, ultimately helping more people connect to the outdoors.
AllTrails is home to the largest collection of digital trail guides, with over 300,000 hiking, running, and mountain biking trails worldwide, and a community of over 30 million outdoor enthusiasts. The platform helps users find and explore new trails, connect to routes best suited for their unique needs, and get outdoors with the peace of mind provided by navigation tools, as well as reviews and photos from other AllTrails users. With AllTrails, people of all skill levels can discover, record, and share their outdoor experiences.
"AllTrails was built on the underlying principle that people and communities are happier and healthier when they spend time outside,” said Ron Schneidermann, CEO of AllTrails. "We use technology to democratize access and empower people to experience the physical, mental, and emotional health benefits that are only found in nature. This investment validates our approach to doing well by doing good, and we’re excited to partner with Permira and Spectrum Equity to bring our platform to more people around the world.”
After a breakout year in 2020, AllTrails continues to demonstrate record-breaking performance as more people look to embrace time in nature as part of a healthy lifestyle. The AllTrails app has been downloaded more than 40 million times and boasts trail coverage in 190 countries, 30 territories, and on all 7 continents, making it the most recognized digital brand and category-leader in the outdoor activity sector.
Bruce Chizen, Senior Advisor to Permira and former CEO of Adobe, said: “AllTrails has spent a decade building the necessary content to become the definitive platform for people seeking to explore the outdoors. We are thrilled to be backing Ron and partnering again with Spectrum Equity and Tim Sullivan.” With the transaction, Bruce will join Tim Sullivan, former CEO of Ancestry, and Gretchen Howard, COO of Robinhood, on the AllTrails board of directors.
“AllTrails’ vibrant community of users has been driving the company’s tremendous growth,” said Ben Spero, Managing Director at Spectrum Equity and a member of the AllTrails board of directors. “We’re excited to partner with Permira to build on this momentum and expand the world’s leading digital community for the outdoors.”
