Global superstars among new investors in wearables company with strong Limerick presence

WEARABLES company WHOOP, which has a significant presence in Limerick, has announced plans to expand its operations in the city after it secured more than half-a-billion euro in new investment.

The Boston-based firm, which is now valued at €8.8 billion, says the funding round includes investment from Irish personalities Rory McIlroy, Niall Horan and Shane Lowry. Other high-profile investors include Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Virgil van Dijk.

WHOOP recently announced its intention to create 600 new roles globally as part of its growth plans, including further expansion of its Ireland HQ at the Gardens International building in Limerick, where 150 people are currently employed.

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The company says the new funding comes at a defining moment for WHOOP and the future of health. Chronic disease is rising globally, while many healthcare systems remain built for reactive care. At the same time, advances in AI and continuous biometric data are enabling a fundamentally new approach that predicts risk, guides behaviour, and improves health in real time. 

“Our raise brings together the world’s most sophisticated investors, leading health institutions, and iconic global athletes behind the mission to unlock human performance and healthspan,” commented Will Ahmed, founder and CEO of WHOOP.

“We are building the personal health platform that people use to improve their health and livelihood," he added.

WHOOP says the financing will accelerate it in building the world’s leading personal health platform - an intelligent, unified system designed to extend healthspan, optimize performance, and prevent disease before it begins.

The company, which was founded in 2012, sells memberships for its wearables which tracks sleep, recovery, strain, fitness, and longevity.