© komoot
Komoot
komoot is a route planning and navigation app created in Berlin, Germany. It helps users, mainly cyclists and hikers, to explore the outdoors through its route planning feature and the vast number of ready-made routes submitted by users. As of 2021, it is Europe’s largest outdoor platform.
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History
Created by a group of friends from Austria and Germany, komoot was formed in 2010, with the app launching to the public in 2013.
After initially focusing on its home market in Germany, komoot launched its iOS and Android app in the UK and other European countries in the summer of 2013, having raised €1 million from a German public fund. The company was reportedly cash flow positive after just two years. komoot hit the United States just a year later.
In 2017, prior to the Coronavirus pandemic and the ‘work from home’ era beginning, komoot pioneered a fully-remote workplace - it now has over 100 employees striving to offer users the best experience possible when exploring the outdoors.
In response to the demand of avid users, komoot launched a subscription-based komoot Premium in 2019. This gave subscribers the ability to plan multi-day trips, take into account the weather forecast on a route, and plan routes on sport-specific maps. Whilst komoot remains free to download and use, users can purchase region maps for offline navigation.
By the end of 2020, komoot was supported in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish languages. Komoot expanded its global community even further in 2022 by adding five new languages to the app, this included European and Brazilian Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, and Polish.
Did you know?
Despite its name sounding similar to the English word ‘commute’, it is a mere coincidence. Komoot originates from the dialect of Kleinwalsertal, a region in the Austrian Alps where a number of the founders hail from. It means practical, helpful and simple which is what Komoot is designed to be for users when exploring the outdoors.
Highlights
2013 - komoot launches across Europe
After initially testing the waters in Germany, komoot launched its app to the iOS and Android app stores in August 2013, helping to expand its community across the continent.
2017 - komoot pioneers a fully-remote philosophy
After successfully launching itself internationally, komoot took the decision to become a fully-remote company. It now has over 100 employees across the globe.
2021 - komoot named best navigation app 2021
Digital Trends named komoot as one of the best cycling apps for Android and iOS in 2021. The app was specifically commended as the best navigation app on the market.
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Featured Video
How To Plan A Great Cycling Route On Safe & Quiet Roads
Planning an enjoyable cycling route can be challenging. It's far too easy to ride your bike on roads you're familiar with after having driven them in your car. But, roads that are great for driving are usually pretty rubbish for cycling. To get the most out of your bike riding, it's best to stick to quieter lanes and back roads and avoid the fast moving traffic you find on busy highways. In this video, Si gives you his top tips to help you plan your next cycling route to make your bike ride safer and more enjoyable!
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