• by Ray Schultz , February 23, 2021

Pocket Outdoor Media, fueled by an infusion of Series B financing, has closed several acquisitions while rebranding itself as Outside, effective immediately.  

The company, which owns over 20 enthusiast publications, including Yoga Journal, Ski and Backpacker, has acquired:

• Outside Integrated Media, owner of Outside magazine and Outside Studios. 

• Outside TV, a provider of outdoor lifestyle TV and video programming via cable, satellite, and over-the-top networks.  
• Gaia GPS, a mobile mapping and navigation application for backcountry hikers. 
• Peloton, magazine title devoted to storytelling and photography about the sport of cycling. 
• athleteReg, an event registration platform serving runners, triathletes, cyclists, and skiers.  

The “reputation and relevance of the Outside brands across multiple lifestyle categories made our decision to change our company’s name a logical choice,” states Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside.

In addition, the Gaia GPS and athleteReg acquisitions “significantly boost the ways we facilitate participation,”  Thurston continues.  

The funding round, led by Sequoia Heritage, totaled $150 million and included participation from JAZZ Ventures, Zone 5 Ventures, and NEXT Ventures, according to Axios. 

The former Pocket Outdoor Media also includes titles such as VeloNews, Climbing, Rock & Ice, Gym Climber, Trail Runner, Women’s Running, Triathlete, Better Nutrition, Bicycle Retailer & Industry News and Clean Eating. It also includes Fly Fishing Film Tour, IDEA Health and Fitness Association, Muscle & Performance, NASTAR, National Park Trips and Warren Miller Entertainment.  

Thurston adds: “Everything we do is driven by a belief that a hike, run, ride or yoga practice can change your life."