LIFTS Episode 98 - Strava vs Garmin, Basic‑Fit Expansion & AI's Rise with Leon Rudge
Description
In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with fitness technology veteran Leon Rudge for a deep dive into three major stories shaping the industry: the Basic‑Fit/Clever‑Fit mega‑merger, the Strava vs Garmin lawsuit, and Ladder's push into integrated nutrition tracking.
Leon also shares insights from four months immersed in Southeast Asia's digital‑nomad tech hubs.
Key topics include:
• Leon's experiences inside Southeast Asia's booming digital‑nomad tech scene.
• Why the Basic‑Fit acquisition signals a new phase for European fitness.
• The real story behind the Strava vs. Garmin lawsuit.
• Why integration, not features, is the new competitive advantage.
• How Ladder is using nutrition tracking to boost retention.
• The rise of AI across fitness products and ecosystems.
• Why culture gets lost as companies scale and how to prevent it.
• Predictions for global fitness technology in 2025–2026.
👉 To learn more about Leon Rudge click here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonrudge/
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00:00 Intro & Retreat Check‑In
01:26 Matthew's Immersive Retreat
03:05 Guest Intro: Leon Rudge
03:36 Why Leon Moved to Southeast Asia
05:24 Traditional Tech vs the New Tech Mindset
06:36 AI‑Driven Digital Nomad Culture
08:10 Story 1: Basic‑Fit Acquires Clever‑Fit
11:15 Tech Integration Challenges Ahead
13:57 Data Strategy & App Ecosystems
15:29 Story 2: Strava vs Garmin Lawsuit
17:34 Why Integrations Fail
24:32 Story 3: Ladder Adds Nutrition Tracking
26:14 Strength Apps & Measurement Challenges
32:00 Key Takeaways: Integration & Longevity
37:25 AI Boom or Bubble?
37:38 Closing Thoughts
United States
