WeWard: Champion Venus Williams Becomes Ambassador and Investor of the French Walking App

Working with one of the greatest tennis players on the planet? Tanguy de la Villegeorges didn't believe it. And yet, the co-founder of the French application WeWard, created in 2019, can now count on a new partnership with American tennis champion Venus Williams . A four-time Olympic medalist and entrepreneur, she is joining his company as an investor and ambassador. "I'm so happy to work with her," exclaims Tanguy De La Villegeorges.

Inspired by the codes of gaming and social networks, WeWard rewards people for walking. Every day, users can track and convert their steps into rewards, bank transfers, support for charities or even take part in challenges. Tanguy De La Villegeorges assures us that users of the application have increased "their walking time by almost 25%" . To date, the company has donated 20 million euros to users, one million euros to charities and saved 600,000 tonnes of CO2 thanks to the activity generated.

This new partnership aims to "promote a healthier lifestyle" for the 20 million users worldwide, and those to come. While WeWard is present in 29 countries, the agreement must also "fully develop the United States" , acknowledges the co-founder. "We had been looking for a muse to help us develop for a long time, but it's very complicated to find. We wanted someone who represents well-being, sport, is known worldwide while particularly reaching Americans" , explains Tanguy De La Villegeorges. For the entrepreneur, "Venus Williams is the "must", with a super influence" . This meeting was the result of chance, he explains: "My partner, Yves Benchimol was in a restaurant in Paris when he saw her. It was the perfect opportunity, so he went to see her, talked to her about the project, which she really liked and everything started from this discussion."

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Starting this Wednesday, the app will air a 50-second ad featuring the seven-time Grand Slam tennis champion celebrating reaching her WeWard step goal during a match. In a statement about the partnership, Williams says that "a big part of wellness and physical activity is simply moving your body in any way you can, and with WeWard, walking becomes a fun and rewarding experience."

A month-long campaign, called the “Venus Williams Championship,” will also run. Users will be able to take part in walking challenges to win tickets to sporting events, gift cards or to release funds for charities. The company has also committed to donating €40,000 to the international solidarity association CARE, which fights against inequalities in emergency and development situations.

Now, Tanguy De La Villegeorges hopes that WeWard will "grow more in the world and motivate users" . He aims to increase their walking time by 50%: "This happens through different channels, with motivation from the social, monetary, ecological side and the improvement of sporting challenges."