Outside Interactive Secures $50 Million Credit Facility From Vector Velocity

The outdoor lifestyle company plans to use the funding to invest in its sprawling network of media, mapping and travel brands as it continues scaling

Outside Interactive has landed a $50 million senior secured credit investment from Vector Velocity, the direct credit strategy of Vector Capital Management. The company said it plans to use the proceeds to invest in core parts of its business as it continues to grow.

Outside Interactive reaches more than 70 million consumers a month and has over 100 million registered users across a network of 25 brands spanning media, GPS mapping, travel booking and events, including Outside, MapMyFitness, Gaia GPS, Trailforks, Pinkbike and Inntopia. The company says it serves more than 1 million paying subscribers and connects with over 300 million outdoor consumers annually.

“Vector understands both our business and the opportunity ahead,” said Outside Interactive CEO Robin Thurston. “This investment strengthens our business while providing the flexibility to continue investing in the products, technology, and experiences that connect more people with the outdoors.”

Thurston, who founded Outside Interactive and rebranded the company in 2021, has built the platform around what he’s described as three pillars: inspiration, activation and celebration, using content to draw people outdoors, tools like MapMyFitness to help them get active, and social features to let them share what they’ve done. The company’s roster of brands has grown through a string of acquisitions, including MapMyFitness, Warren Miller Entertainment and travel booking platform Inntopia.

The deal reflects Vector Velocity’s focus on providing credit solutions to technology-enabled businesses with recurring revenue and long-term growth prospects. GP Bullhound served as Outside Interactive’s exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.

Nick Ghoussaini, head of credit at Vector Capital, said the firm was drawn to the durability of Outside’s business.

“Outside’s network of brands, applications, and experiences strengthens as consumers engage across multiple products and services, creating durable customer relationships and compelling long-term growth opportunities,” Ghoussaini said. “We are excited to partner with Robin and the Outside team as they continue to scale the platform.”