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- 51v backs Avelo — building the world’s smartest running shoe
51v backs Avelo — building the world’s smartest running shoe
Chris Wilkerson
November 12, 2025
We’re excited to share that 51Ventures has invested in Avelo, the company redefining what performance footwear can do by building the world’s smartest running shoe.
Avelo’s mission is simple yet transformative: turn every stride into insight.
By embedding sensors directly in the shoe, Avelo captures impact, cadence, and form data—then delivers real-time coaching to help runners train smarter, stay healthier, and perform longer.
Why we’re excited
The vision is backed by an extraordinary team:
Royi Metser, Founder & CEO — former InsideTracker exec with a decade in consumer health tech and a passion for bringing science to sport.
Peter Ruppe, Co-Founder & COO — a 30-year Nike veteran who led the creation of Nike+ and later drove innovation at Under Armour and Columbia Sportswear.
Together, they’ve built what we believe will be the next evolution in connected performance gear.
Momentum that matters
1,000+ pairs pre-sold and $200K+ in pre-orders through their Kickstarter campaign — validating strong early demand.
Featured in The Wall Street Journal alongside Nike, Hoka, and Brooks as a leader shaping the future of running shoes.
Named #1 new product in Wearables by Wellworthy, ahead of both Whoop and Oura.
Hardware and app integration now fully engineered for mass production, with the first shipment scheduled for December 2025.
At 51Ventures, we back founders who merge performance and technology to create lasting impact. Avelo fits that vision perfectly — bridging innovation, design, and data into a single stride.
Learn more: avelorunning.com