The acquisition of the popular outdoor navigation app Komoot by the Italian firm Bending Spoons marks a significant evolution for the platform after 17 years of development.
Bending Spoons announced the conclusion of its acquisition of Komoot on March 20, 2025. Over the past 17 years, Komoot has grown from a student project into one of Europe’s leading outdoor platforms, currently boasting over 45 million users. Markus Hallermann, co-founder and CEO of Komoot, shared his perspective on the acquisition, stating it was a logical step in the evolution of the company.
“Since 17 years, we have been striving to make outdoor adventures accessible for everyone. ... But what brought us here will not take us to the next level. Scaling a company requires a different mindset and different skills than building one. Therefore, we believe Bending Spoons, with its unique expertise in fostering innovation and scaling platforms, is the perfect partner to lead Komoot into the future,” Hallermann said in a press release, emphasizing the strategic reasoning behind the sale.
Komoot, founded in 2010 in Potsdam, Germany, has become a popular app among outdoor enthusiasts, especially for hiking and cycling routes. The platform has continually integrated new features and functionalities, enhancing the user experience. Recently, the app's user base has grown rapidly, as it has become the go-to choice for those looking to explore the outdoors.
Bending Spoons, established twelve years ago and based in Milan, has built a reputation for acquiring various software applications. Previous acquisitions include noteworthy applications like WeTransfer, Evernote, and Streamyard. However, the firm is also known for parting ways with a significant number of employees post-acquisition. For instance, after taking over Evernote in January 2023, Bending Spoons reportedly laid off almost all of the company's staff within six months.
The rumors surrounding potential job cuts have sparked concern among Komoot's approximately 150 employees. Reports indicate that on the day the acquisition was announced, workers were taken by surprise during an unscheduled meeting where they learned about the sale. Insiders claimed many were “shocked,” particularly with indications that layoffs could soon follow.
Previous patterns suggest a structurally rigid approach from Bending Spoons regarding newly acquired software. With prior takeovers, the company has announced substantial price increases for premium services, as observed following the acquisitions of Evernote and WeTransfer, which transitioned to more restrictive service structures.
In 2023, Komoot achieved a turnover of 36 million euros but the true impact of this acquisition on the company's future remains uncertain. While Hallermann and his team have effectively scaled their operation over the years, they now face the challenge of retaining Komoot's unique outdoor community appeal.
“Komoot represents a digital lifestyle and leisure solution that aligns perfectly with our portfolio goals,” emphasized Luca Ferrari, CEO and co-founder of Bending Spoons during a statement about the acquisition. With Bending Spoons' expertise in platform scaling, there is optimism that Komoot can maintain its reputation within the outdoor sector and keep innovating for its user base.
The future of Komoot under Bending Spoons is still undetermined. Given the company’s history of restructuring its acquisitions, current users will be watching closely for changes in pricing structures or services offered. The nature of the service and its community engagement will be especially critical for maintaining the trust and loyalty of its existing user base as broader changes unfold.
As Komoot looks to scale its outreach and innovate further, many will be left wondering what this acquisition means for the app's identity and reliability as a resource for outdoor adventurers worldwide. Will it continue to operate the same way, or will users be faced with new rules and challenges in the future? The answers remain to be seen, yet the implications of this acquisition resonate deeply within the outdoor community.
