Serena Williams-backed Let’s Do This races ahead with $60 million to bring endurance sports events to the masses

We are living in a world where we spend more time than ever with our heads buried in our phones. The growing influence of social media and the Metaverse is a depressing extension of this, and the effect on our health and wellbeing cannot be ignored.

Helping people get offline and connect in the post-pandemic world, London-based Let’s Do This has raised $60 million in funding. The online platform is helping people find, book and prepare for the best running, triathlon, cycling and obstacle experiences around the world.

Founded in 2016 by Alex Rose and Sam Browne, Let’s Do This brings thousands of events together in one place, enabling users to easily search and choose their next experience, including top flagship events like Hackney Moves, The Great North Run and the Oxford Half.

With face-to-face events becoming a reality again after a long hiatus, it seems like the business is only set to grow. The company has registered over 5 million users until now. The extra cash in the wallet will be used to enhance the website and app experience of searching and booking events. The startup is also looking to expand in the U.S. with the addition of a new headquarter in Boulder, Colorado.

The Series B round was led by Craft Ventures and Headline, supported by further funds from existing investors EQT, NFX and Y Combinator, as well as newcomer Morpheus Ventures. These join the company’s existing angel investors from previous rounds, including Serena Williams, Usain Bolt and Paula Radcliffe, and founder of Gmail Paul Buchheit, as well as Ian Hogarth, founder of Songkick. 

Alex Rose, co-founder and COO of Let’s Do This, said: “We have experienced phenomenal growth over the past 12 months - despite our industry taking a major hit during the pandemic. It is a clear sign that people are desperately craving face-to-face events that allow them to connect with others, feel part of a community and participate in something truly special.”

Talking about entering new verticals in the live events and experiences space, Sam Browne, co-founder and CEO of Let’s Do This, added: “The global sports endurance market is worth an estimated $18 billion and, with face-to-face events finally a possibility again after a long hiatus, we know this is only set to grow. Thanks to the funding, we plan to extend into further verticals in the live events and experiences space.”

Serena Williams, angel investor in Let’s Do This, added: “Let’s Do This breaks down barriers by allowing people to discover new ways of keeping fit, encouraging them to push themselves and providing a sense of community and camaraderie in the process, irrespective of fitness levels. This is a mission that I am proud of - bringing more people together through the power of sport.”