A new funding round is positioning wearable fitness company Whoop for further international expansion, with a clear focus on the Gulf region. The US-based business has raised $575 million in a Series G round led by Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company, alongside 2PointZero Group and the Qatar Investment Authority. The deal places the company’s valuation at just over $10 billion, reflecting continued investor interest in the wearable technology market.
The investor group includes a mix of institutional backers and high-profile individuals. Among them are athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Virgil van Dijk, along with other figures from sport and entertainment. While celebrity participation can draw attention, the core of the investment reflects broader confidence in digital health platforms and subscription-based fitness services.
Whoop plans to use the capital to expand across multiple regions, including the Gulf, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. A key part of that strategy is the planned launch of its first overseas research facility in Doha. This move signals a shift toward localised development and suggests that the company sees long-term demand for health tracking technology in the Middle East.
The Gulf has become an increasingly active market for wearable devices, supported by government-led health initiatives and a growing interest in preventative care. Surveys in the UAE and Saudi Arabia indicate a strong willingness among consumers to adopt healthier lifestyles, which in turn supports demand for devices that monitor sleep, recovery, and physical performance. Whoop is positioning itself within this broader ecosystem rather than as a standalone gadget provider.
The wearable technology sector itself continues to expand, with established players such as Apple, Samsung, and Huawei competing alongside newer entrants like Oura and Ultrahuman. Devices have evolved beyond step tracking into more complex tools that analyse biometric data and provide personalised recommendations. Market forecasts suggest significant growth ahead, with global revenues expected to reach roughly $163 billion by 2030.
Founded in 2012, Whoop has built its business around a membership model rather than one-time hardware sales. The company reports more than 2.5 million users globally and states that revenue has been growing steadily, with positive cash flow and a run rate exceeding $1 billion. These figures indicate a degree of financial stability, although competition in the space remains intense.
For regional investors such as Mubadala, the deal aligns with broader economic diversification strategies, particularly in sectors tied to technology and health. At the same time, firms like 2PointZero are targeting long-term growth areas linked to demographic changes and consumer demand.
Overall, the funding round highlights how wearable fitness technology is increasingly being treated as part of a wider health infrastructure rather than a niche consumer product. Whether that positioning translates into sustained growth will depend on how effectively companies like Whoop can differentiate their services in a crowded and evolving market.
