RIYADH: WHOOP, a US-based healthcare wearable technology company, has raised $575 million in a Series G funding round with Gulf Cooperation Council investors backing the firm’s plans to expand throughout the region.
The company revealed that the funding round at a $10.1 billion valuation was led by Collaborative Fund, with the participation of individual investors, including Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently playing in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr club, and Karen Wazen, a Dubai-based influencer.
Regional investors who participated in the funding round include 2PointZero Group, Qatar Investment Authority, and Mubadala Investment Co.
The investment comes as global technology firms increasingly turn to the Gulf for growth opportunities, drawn by strong sovereign backing, rising consumer demand for digital health solutions, and ambitious diversification agendas across the region.
Despite ongoing disruption caused by the Iran war, which has affected trade routes, investor sentiment, and regional stability, capital inflows into high-growth sectors such as health tech remain resilient.
Speaking to Arab News, Will Ahmed, founder and CEO of WHOOP, said the GCC, particularly the Kingdom, is a key strategic growth market for the company, as it scales up local teams and expands its retail presence across the region.
“Saudi Arabia is a hugely important market for WHOOP and one where we’re seeing tremendous penetration. Our partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo has played a meaningful role in building awareness and credibility in the region, and we’re excited to build on that momentum with our new partnership with Al Nassr,” said Ahmed.
In February, WHOOP signed a global partnership agreement with Al Nassr Football Club. Under the deal, WHOOP became Al Nassr’s exclusive fitness, performance, and health wearable technology partner, supporting the club’s men’s first team through the 2026 Saudi Pro League season.
Ahmed added: “There’s a clear appetite in the Kingdom for advanced, data-driven approaches to health and human performance, and we’re continuing to invest in local partnerships and infrastructure to support that demand for the long term.”
He further said that the company is scaling retail distribution through new channels like Jarir Bookstore in Saudi Arabia.
In the wider region, the firm is about to open WHOOP Labs Doha, its first international performance research and development facility.
WHOOP is also launching advanced labs and partnerships with major research initiatives and leading national health institutions in the UAE, as a part of its expansion strategy in the region.
“We’re proud of the work we’ve done in each of these markets already. This is just the start. You’ll be seeing us show up in the GCC even more in the coming months,” said Ahmed.
Beyond the GCC, proceeds from the Series G financing will be deployed to accelerate WHOOP’s international expansion across Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
WHOOP’s devices are widely used by athletes and health enthusiasts, offering personalized insights to optimize performance and overall wellness, and are favored by high-profile sporting figures, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Aryna Sabalenka, and Sha’Carri Richardson, as well as Virgil van Dijk.
Commenting on the latest funding round, Cristiano Ronaldo said in a press statement: “I am proud to participate in this round because I believe in the future we are building together. No other company has created a health platform this powerful that people are proud to wear.”
Ahmed told Arab News that WHOOP’s expansion plans continue to remain steady in the GCC, even as the region faces uncertainties due to the Iran conflict.
“We remain as committed as ever to growing our presence in the GCC even amid the current challenges facing the region. Our members in the GCC have continued to trust WHOOP. We’re not going to stop showing up for them,” he said.
Ahmed further said that the company has offered one-month membership extensions to members across the Middle East who were due for renewal, in light of the ongoing conflict.
“We are confident that these countries will continue to be strong markets and important ecosystems for health and longevity,” he added.
He also reiterated the company’s plans to float on the stock market, saying: “WHOOP will be well positioned for an initial public offering over a horizon of two years.”
The funding round also witnessed the involvement of global investors like Abbott, the Mayo Clinic, and Macquarie Capital, as well as Glade Brook, B-Flexion, IVP, Foundry, Accomplice, Affinity Partners and Bullhound Capital.
