A Message from Our Co-Founders: Michael Horvath and Mark Gainey

Dear Strava Community,

When Mark Gainey and I set out to create Strava in 2009, we intended to build a company that would support your lifelong pursuit of adventure and an active life. We knew the foundation we were laying would have to withstand the test of time to do that. We gave it the name “STRAVA” which means “to strive” in Swedish. And, together with the founding team, we got to work building an experience that would help motivate you to be more active.

Fifteen years later, Mark and I are incredibly humbled by what Strava is today; a global community of over 120 million people and a platform inspiring the world to move by connecting people to each other and their communities.

Starting in 2024, we are very excited to be welcoming Michael Martin to Strava as its next CEO. He joins us to continue the mission to help people live their best active lives. Our vision of a world connected through movement compels all three of us to define the next era for Strava. How can Strava inspire? And open doors — to people, events and places. To make movement accessible, changing the fabric of towns, fields, trails and roads. 

How can we motivate? Through progress, friendships, support and knowledge — whether you move by yourself or in a group; whether you’re local or connecting through a shared passion with friends on the other side of the world.  

Finally, how can we lift everyone up? The building blocks of movement are equal. A person or group moving through space, connected through a common pursuit or goal, with the same foundation: to track, to discover, to learn, to share, to remember, to connect. TO STRIVE.

What we’re building with all of you is bigger than any sport or type of activity. It’s about the human condition: to move, to connect. And that will make all the difference.

Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year!

Michael & Mark, Co-Founders

Michael Martin, CEO