WeWard has secured a high-profile ambassador. The startup, which develops an app to reward walking, announces a partnership with Venus Williams. As part of this collaboration, the former tennis champion joins the company as both an investor and ambassador. This move has been widely celebrated on WeWard’s social media, where Williams is seen celebrating reaching her step goal on the French app during a match.
To celebrate this major endorsement, a "walking championship" in honour of Venus Williams is being organised for a month, allowing app users to participate in walking challenges. Prizes include tickets to sports events, gift cards, and the chance to unlock funds that will support charitable organisations. On this occasion, the French company has committed to donating €40,000 to the humanitarian organisation Care, which works to combat inequalities in emergency and development situations.
For WeWard, this is an opportunity to capitalise on the image of Serena Williams’ sister to boost its visibility. "Venus is a true source of inspiration thanks to her multifaceted career, and we are thrilled to have her energy, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit driving forward WeWard's mission: to motivate more people to walk daily," said Yves Benchimol, CEO of WeWard.
A key ambassador, one year after WeWard's arrival in the United States
Launched in 2019 by Nicolas Hardy, Tanguy de La Villegeorges, and Yves Benchimol, the app boasts nearly 20 million users across 29 countries, with 60% of its users in France. Since its launch, the company claims to have distributed €20M to users rewarded for their walking achievements. It has also allowed partner charities to benefit from a portion of users who choose to donate their earnings to good causes.
With Venus Williams, who is also a shareholder and ambassador for the investment platform Shares alongside her sister, joining the team, the French startup, which gained momentum after appearing on the "Capital" TV show on M6 in 2019, now has a powerful lever to increase its presence in the United States, where it has been operating for a year. The U.S. market represents a significant challenge for WeWard, given the stark differences in sedentary cultures on both sides of the Atlantic. The average French person walks nearly 7,000 steps a day, compared to just 5,000 in the U.S. For reference, 10,000 steps daily is recommended for maintaining good physical health. "I’m thrilled to be part of a movement that encourages people to take the first step toward a healthier, more active lifestyle," Venus Williams commented. In the U.S., WeWard has claimed one million downloads in its first year.
