Outdooractive Company Profile

Background

Overview

Outdooractive, headquartered in Immenstadt, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading digital platform specializing in outdoor tourism. Established in 1994 by Hartmut Wimmer, the company has evolved into a comprehensive resource for outdoor enthusiasts, offering detailed information and tools for activities such as hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and skiing.

Mission and Vision

• Vision: To be the digital outdoor ecosystem that helps people unlock joy.

• Mission: To enable meaningful outdoor experiences through technology that guides, connects, and protects.

Industry Significance

Outdooractive stands out in the outdoor tourism industry by integrating advanced technology with a vast repository of outdoor content. The platform connects tourism stakeholders with a global community of over 15 million users, providing multilingual web and mobile applications that serve as a central hub for outdoor activities worldwide.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Content Integration: Aggregating and curating high-quality, official content from tourism partners, ensuring reliability and accuracy.

• Technological Innovation: Developing and implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance user experience and safety.

• Global Expansion: Extending the platform's reach by acquiring complementary businesses and entering new markets.

Areas of Specialization

• Route Planning and Navigation: Offering detailed maps and route planning tools for various outdoor activities.

• Community Engagement: Building a vibrant community where users can share experiences, reviews, and photos.

• Partnerships with Tourism Organizations: Collaborating with destinations, guides, and alpine clubs to provide authoritative content.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Advanced Mapping Solutions: Utilizing vector maps and 3D previews to provide detailed and interactive navigation experiences.

• Artificial Intelligence: Implementing AI tools for content creation and visitor guidance, enhancing the efficiency and relevance of information provided.

• Mobile Applications: Developing apps compatible with various devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, to offer on-the-go access to outdoor information.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Outdoor Enthusiasts: Individuals seeking reliable information and tools for planning and navigating outdoor activities.

• Tourism Organizations: Destinations and tourism boards looking to digitize and promote their offerings to a global audience.

• Local Businesses: Companies aiming to reach outdoor enthusiasts through targeted marketing and partnerships.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Outdooractive has experienced steady growth since its inception. In its early stages, the company received support from the accelerator/incubator Nubbo, securing approximately $55,000 in funding. This initial investment facilitated the development of its platform and expansion into new markets.

Revenue

As of January 2025, Outdooractive's annual revenue is estimated at $15 million.

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised has been strategically utilized to enhance technological capabilities, expand the platform's content offerings, and acquire complementary businesses to strengthen market position.

Pipeline Development

Key Developments

• AI Integration: Development of AI tools to assist tourism partners in content creation, streamlining the process of populating travel guides with relevant information.

• Public Transportation Integration: Incorporation of public transportation networks into the platform to promote sustainable travel options for users.

• Snow Depth Mapping: Addition of snow depth layers to maps, providing valuable information for winter sports enthusiasts.

Timelines for Milestones

• AI Tools Implementation: Rolled out in 2023, enhancing content creation capabilities for partners.

• Public Transportation Features: Integrated in 2023, offering users comprehensive travel planning options.

• Snow Depth Layer: Launched in 2023, providing real-time snow depth information across various regions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Outdooractive Map: A proprietary mapping solution offering detailed topographic information tailored for outdoor activities.

• Vector Maps: Transitioned to vector maps in 2017, enhancing map responsiveness and detail.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Artificial Intelligence: Development of AI-driven tools for content generation and visitor guidance, improving the efficiency and relevance of information provided.

• 3D Previews: Implementation of 3D route previews, allowing users to visualize terrain and plan accordingly.

Leadership Team

• Hartmut Wimmer: Founder & Chief Executive Officer. Established Outdooractive in 1994, leading the company through significant growth and innovation.

• Craig Wareham: Chief Executive Officer, UK. Joined Outdooractive following the acquisition of ViewRanger, bringing extensive experience in digital mapping and outdoor navigation.

• Markus Schreiner: Chief Financial Officer. Oversees financial strategy and operations, ensuring sustainable growth.

• Oliver Schieb: Chief Operating Officer. Manages day-to-day operations, focusing on efficiency and scalability.

• Pirmin Mosle: Chief Technology Officer. Leads technological development, driving innovation across the platform.

Leadership Changes

In 2020, following the acquisition of ViewRanger, Craig Wareham joined Outdooractive as Chief Executive Officer for the UK, bringing valuable expertise in outdoor navigation and digital mapping.