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Strava eyes IPO as Gen Z trades dating apps for running clubs | TechCrunch

Strava eyes IPO as Gen Z trades dating apps for running clubs | TechCrunch

Strava, the 16-year-old fitness tracking app, is gearing up to go public, the Financial Times reports.

CEO Michael Martin told the FT that the San Francisco company plans to list “at some point,” eyeing capital for more acquisitions. The company, backed by Sequoia Capital, TCV, and Jackson Square Ventures, was last valued at $2.2 billion in May.

Strava has the wind at its back, certainly. The app’s user base has exploded to 50 million monthly active users in 2025, according to Sensor Tower – nearly double its closest competitor, with downloads up 80% year-over-year.

Strava’s growth coincides with a cultural shift around running, particularly as people in their teens and 20s seek more alcohol-free ways to socialize. Runners also emphasize the mental health benefits of finding support networks (and, sometimes, romance). Applications for the 2026 London Marathon jumped 31% this year to 1.1 million people.

Strava’s secret sauce? Turning workouts into social currency with “kudos” and split comparisons. Sensor Tower estimates consumers spent over $180 million on its subscription tier through September – a figure Strava says significantly underestimates actual revenue. The company also earns from sponsored challenges and brand partnerships.

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Earlier this week, we learned A24 entered a research partnership with Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision.

In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them.

While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.

Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#A24 #Nice #Google #DealA24,generative ai,Google DeepMind">A24 Wants You to Be Nice About Its Google AI Deal
                Earlier this week, we learned A24 entered a research partnership with Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision. In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them. While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.

 Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #A24 #Nice #Google #DealA24,generative ai,Google DeepMind

Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision.

In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them.

While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.

Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#A24 #Nice #Google #DealA24,generative ai,Google DeepMind">A24 Wants You to Be Nice About Its Google AI DealA24 Wants You to Be Nice About Its Google AI Deal
                Earlier this week, we learned A24 entered a research partnership with Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision. In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them. While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.

 Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #A24 #Nice #Google #DealA24,generative ai,Google DeepMind

Earlier this week, we learned A24 entered a research partnership with Google’s DeepMind unit. The reactions were… not happy, to say the least. And like many who’ve let generative AI into their hearts, the film studio’s now left playing defense for its widely panned decision.

In a statement to Wired, A24’s communications rep Sophia Shin stressed the “research” part of its Google partnership. “We’re working side-by-side with DeepMind’s researchers to learn, iterate, and build, having an active hand in shaping new tools and workflows,” she explained. “This is about learning and helping pain points in workflows behind the scenes. […] It exists because we want to dictate what tools get built for artists, so they have a voice in shaping them rather than having tools handed to them.

While acknowledging A24 doesn’t love “any of the current AI outputs onscreen in Hollywood,” Shin considers this partnership a bit of a necessary evil. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than on the sidelines,” she stated. The promise of further artist agency and “a seat at the table” are common shields from genAI users, but it doesn’t seem to be working here. Fans consider this move ironic and a betrayal, given Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called the tech “cultural and economic rot” and wished he could just snap it out of existence.

Before that, the studio didn’t seem to have much interest in generative AI. In 2024, it came under fire for using the tech to create posters for Civil War, while months later, its horror film Heretic had a disclaimer promising it wasn’t made with the technology. But Hollywood’s become gradually more accepting of generative AI and its supposed potential for the filmmaking process. In that sense, maybe it was inevitable for A24 to fall in line.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#A24 #Nice #Google #DealA24,generative ai,Google DeepMind

Now that Amazon Prime Day is over, it’s time to start gearing up for Fourth of July sales. Most large retailers pivoted their summer-sale timing to compete head-on with Amazon’s accelerated schedule, but you can still snag great deals this July 4th, particularly in active and outdoorsy categories.

REI has the hottest sale of the weekend as far as the WIRED Reviews team is concerned, but there are notable midsummer sales on other sites we shop, like Backcountry, Home Depot, and Lululemon. Also, make sure you don’t sleep on Duer.

The outdoorsy Canadian clothing brand makes highly functional classics that subtly incorporate performance elements like Tencel fabric and strategic triple-stitching. The No Sweat Relaxed Taper pants have been a weekly wear for me for years; they’re as comfy as sweatpants but look dapper enough to wear to a business meeting, while being durable enough for a weekend camping trip.

Duer rarely has sales, and prices typically hover around $100 for pants and $50 for a shirt. Those aren’t outrageous prices, but most guys I know won’t build a wardrobe primarily from $50 tees. In the run-up to July 4th, you can save around 20 percent on a few of the brand’s most popular pants and up to 35 percent on some styles of shorts and long-sleeve shirts.

For the last few months, I’ve had a handful of Duer garments in rotation: Performance Denim+ StraightLive Lite Traveller PantAir Flow Pique PoloPurePima Only Tee, and the aforementioned No Sweat Relaxed Taper.

In addition to my beloved No Sweat pants, the pima cotton tee (some styles of which are on sale) is a big winner. It’s soft and still fits great after two trips through the washer and dryer. It’s getting serious consideration for being my new favorite black T-shirt. (I would suggest the brand start claiming it’s the best T-shirt in the world so as to be eligible for our tailor-judged shootout of men’s shirts.)

The pique polo is also great (the Hazy Mauve color is currently discounted), as it’s super breathable, holds an appropriately stiff collar without feeling too rigid, and also keeps its shape perfectly through two washing cycles.

If you’ve got summer travel or a camping trip coming up, this clothing could be nice to bring with you.


Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.

#Love #Duer #Pants #Theyre #Sale #Weekendclothing,deals,shopping,apparel,fourth of july">I Love These Duer Pants, and They’re on Sale This WeekendNow that Amazon Prime Day is over, it’s time to start gearing up for Fourth of July sales. Most large retailers pivoted their summer-sale timing to compete head-on with Amazon’s accelerated schedule, but you can still snag great deals this July 4th, particularly in active and outdoorsy categories.REI has the hottest sale of the weekend as far as the WIRED Reviews team is concerned, but there are notable midsummer sales on other sites we shop, like Backcountry, Home Depot, and Lululemon. Also, make sure you don’t sleep on Duer.The outdoorsy Canadian clothing brand makes highly functional classics that subtly incorporate performance elements like Tencel fabric and strategic triple-stitching. The No Sweat Relaxed Taper pants have been a weekly wear for me for years; they’re as comfy as sweatpants but look dapper enough to wear to a business meeting, while being durable enough for a weekend camping trip.Duer rarely has sales, and prices typically hover around 0 for pants and  for a shirt. Those aren’t outrageous prices, but most guys I know won’t build a wardrobe primarily from  tees. In the run-up to July 4th, you can save around 20 percent on a few of the brand’s most popular pants and up to 35 percent on some styles of shorts and long-sleeve shirts.For the last few months, I’ve had a handful of Duer garments in rotation: Performance Denim+ Straight, Live Lite Traveller Pant, Air Flow Pique Polo, PurePima Only Tee, and the aforementioned No Sweat Relaxed Taper.In addition to my beloved No Sweat pants, the pima cotton tee (some styles of which are on sale) is a big winner. It’s soft and still fits great after two trips through the washer and dryer. It’s getting serious consideration for being my new favorite black T-shirt. (I would suggest the brand start claiming it’s the best T-shirt in the world so as to be eligible for our tailor-judged shootout of men’s shirts.)The pique polo is also great (the Hazy Mauve color is currently discounted), as it’s super breathable, holds an appropriately stiff collar without feeling too rigid, and also keeps its shape perfectly through two washing cycles.If you’ve got summer travel or a camping trip coming up, this clothing could be nice to bring with you.Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.#Love #Duer #Pants #Theyre #Sale #Weekendclothing,deals,shopping,apparel,fourth of july

REI has the hottest sale of the weekend as far as the WIRED Reviews team is concerned, but there are notable midsummer sales on other sites we shop, like Backcountry, Home Depot, and Lululemon. Also, make sure you don’t sleep on Duer.

The outdoorsy Canadian clothing brand makes highly functional classics that subtly incorporate performance elements like Tencel fabric and strategic triple-stitching. The No Sweat Relaxed Taper pants have been a weekly wear for me for years; they’re as comfy as sweatpants but look dapper enough to wear to a business meeting, while being durable enough for a weekend camping trip.

Duer rarely has sales, and prices typically hover around $100 for pants and $50 for a shirt. Those aren’t outrageous prices, but most guys I know won’t build a wardrobe primarily from $50 tees. In the run-up to July 4th, you can save around 20 percent on a few of the brand’s most popular pants and up to 35 percent on some styles of shorts and long-sleeve shirts.

For the last few months, I’ve had a handful of Duer garments in rotation: Performance Denim+ StraightLive Lite Traveller PantAir Flow Pique PoloPurePima Only Tee, and the aforementioned No Sweat Relaxed Taper.

In addition to my beloved No Sweat pants, the pima cotton tee (some styles of which are on sale) is a big winner. It’s soft and still fits great after two trips through the washer and dryer. It’s getting serious consideration for being my new favorite black T-shirt. (I would suggest the brand start claiming it’s the best T-shirt in the world so as to be eligible for our tailor-judged shootout of men’s shirts.)

The pique polo is also great (the Hazy Mauve color is currently discounted), as it’s super breathable, holds an appropriately stiff collar without feeling too rigid, and also keeps its shape perfectly through two washing cycles.

If you’ve got summer travel or a camping trip coming up, this clothing could be nice to bring with you.


Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.

#Love #Duer #Pants #Theyre #Sale #Weekendclothing,deals,shopping,apparel,fourth of july">I Love These Duer Pants, and They’re on Sale This Weekend

Now that Amazon Prime Day is over, it’s time to start gearing up for Fourth of July sales. Most large retailers pivoted their summer-sale timing to compete head-on with Amazon’s accelerated schedule, but you can still snag great deals this July 4th, particularly in active and outdoorsy categories.

REI has the hottest sale of the weekend as far as the WIRED Reviews team is concerned, but there are notable midsummer sales on other sites we shop, like Backcountry, Home Depot, and Lululemon. Also, make sure you don’t sleep on Duer.

The outdoorsy Canadian clothing brand makes highly functional classics that subtly incorporate performance elements like Tencel fabric and strategic triple-stitching. The No Sweat Relaxed Taper pants have been a weekly wear for me for years; they’re as comfy as sweatpants but look dapper enough to wear to a business meeting, while being durable enough for a weekend camping trip.

Duer rarely has sales, and prices typically hover around $100 for pants and $50 for a shirt. Those aren’t outrageous prices, but most guys I know won’t build a wardrobe primarily from $50 tees. In the run-up to July 4th, you can save around 20 percent on a few of the brand’s most popular pants and up to 35 percent on some styles of shorts and long-sleeve shirts.

For the last few months, I’ve had a handful of Duer garments in rotation: Performance Denim+ StraightLive Lite Traveller PantAir Flow Pique PoloPurePima Only Tee, and the aforementioned No Sweat Relaxed Taper.

In addition to my beloved No Sweat pants, the pima cotton tee (some styles of which are on sale) is a big winner. It’s soft and still fits great after two trips through the washer and dryer. It’s getting serious consideration for being my new favorite black T-shirt. (I would suggest the brand start claiming it’s the best T-shirt in the world so as to be eligible for our tailor-judged shootout of men’s shirts.)

The pique polo is also great (the Hazy Mauve color is currently discounted), as it’s super breathable, holds an appropriately stiff collar without feeling too rigid, and also keeps its shape perfectly through two washing cycles.

If you’ve got summer travel or a camping trip coming up, this clothing could be nice to bring with you.


Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.

#Love #Duer #Pants #Theyre #Sale #Weekendclothing,deals,shopping,apparel,fourth of july

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