It was announced yesterday that WaterRower, connected rowing company, is buying CityRow – another connected rowing company. While the connected rowing industry was booming at one point, companies have struggled post-COVID pandemic. Head below for more details.
The story of Cityrow
Founded in 2014 by Helaine Knapp, CityRow was the product of Knapp having suffered three herniated discs in her lower back, resulting in a need for lower-impact workouts. First starting out as an in-person rowing brick-and-mortar, CityRow was also an early adopter when it came to the at-home connected workout model, something so many of us became acclimated to when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.
However, CityRow has struggled to stay as relevant as it once was in a now somewhat saturated connected rowing space.
Upstream from here
We reported back in October that Hydrow – a popular connected rowing company – was in talks to potentially purchase its smaller rival, Cityrow. Now, WaterRower has acquired CityRow, in a move that complements the two companies’ strengths.
WaterRower, based in Rhode Island, has been the manufacturing partner for CityRow. Combining its strengths in manufacturing and distribution to pair with CityRow’s content and technological capabilities – as well as CityRow’s loyal subscriber base – will make for an interesting combination moving forward.
CityRow CEO, Helaine Knapp:
As of this morning, CityRow has been acquired by our longstanding strategic partner WaterRower! This milestone comes almost 10 (!) years to the day since we opened our first studio in NYC. WaterRower has been our backer, partner, and steady manufacturer since our inception. I could not be happier with this new phase for CityRow – there is no better place for this brand, our clients, and our team than under their stewardship.
Connect the Watts’ Take
Connected rowing hasn’t taken off in the way something like a Peloton Tread or connected bike has, but there are absolutely companies out here putting their all into the connected rowing space. Brands like Hydrow and Ergatta continue to make their way into the mainstream, and for CityRow, we hope that the acquisition keeps them competitive in the connected rowing space.
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