BMW i Ventures invests in motorcycle social network Rever
The Rever app allows motorcycle enthusiasts to record and track their rides and share their favorite roads and routes with other enthusiasts in the Rever community.
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BMW i Ventures announced that it is making a strategic investment in Rever Moto, a motorcycle-focused mobile and technology company best known for the eponymous Rever ride tracking and navigation app for Android and iOS devices.
BMW's i Ventures venture capital team was founded by the automobile and motorcycle manufacturer to invest in "high-potential startups and high-growth companies dedicated to [shaping] the future of global mobility." Rever is the latest in a portfolio of investments and partnerships that includes the likes of ChargePoint and Zendrive.
The Rever app and website allow motorcycle enthusiasts to record and track their rides, share their favorite roads with other enthusiasts in the Rever community and find new routes shared by others. Premium Rever riders can also download offline maps, gain access to Butler Motorcycle Maps riding guides and track friends and join riding groups for an annual subscription. According to the developers, Rever is used by riders in 119 countries globally who have tracked "millions of miles."
With its investment, BMW i Ventures hopes to help bring connectivity and big data to the motorcycle industry, which, without built-in telematics or dashboards to fill with tech, has been slower to adopt connectivity than the automotive industry.
"We see Rever as one of the distinct players in the future of motorcycling as a connected experience and are excited to be part of further developing its future. BMW Motorcycle customers will be able to use the latest technology to enhance their rides and to share their passion for riding." said Ulrich Quay, head of BMW i Ventures.
An influx of cash and capital is the most obvious benefit for Rever, but the company (which was founded in 2015) also reaps increased exposure through its new partnership with BMW i Ventures. "Their incredible network of talent and resources is also crucial to helping Rever become a household name among motorcycle riders," said Mark Roebke and Justin Bradshaw, co-founders of Rever.