Venus Williams Champions Global Wellness with Strategic Investment in Walking App WeWard

Tennis icon and entrepreneur Venus Williams has taken her advocacy for health to new heights, joining forces with WeWard—the gamified walking app boasting over 20 million users—as both investor and ambassador. Announced on February 26, 2025, this high-profile partnership aims to tackle the global crisis of physical inactivity, leveraging Williams’ influence to inspire millions to move more and live healthier lives.

Central to the collaboration is a philanthropic push. WeWard has pledged $25,000 to CARE, Williams’ chosen nonprofit focused on poverty alleviation, with an additional $15,000 unlocked if users collectively achieve step goals during the month-long Venus Williams Championship in-app campaign. This initiative not only incentivizes walking but also channels collective movement into tangible social impact.

WeWard’s app transforms walking into a rewarding experience through a robust suite of gamified features. Users can earn Garmin watches, sports event tickets, and gift cards by completing walking challenges. The app’s Pokémon Go-inspired “WeCards”—with 6.5 million collected daily—and competitive leaderboards keep engagement high. Williams herself emphasized the app’s accessibility, stating, “With WeWard, walking becomes a fun, rewarding experience… It’s about taking that first step toward a healthier lifestyle.”

The urgency of this campaign is underscored by sobering statistics. Thirty-one percent of adults and eighty percent of adolescents globally fail to meet World Health Organization physical activity guidelines. Americans average just 5,000 to 6,500 daily steps, falling short of the recommended 10,000 and lagging behind countries like France and Japan. In contrast, WeWard users boost their walking by 25% on average, collectively saving 600,000 tons of CO₂ through reduced vehicle use. WeWard CEO Yves Benchimol calls sedentary lifestyles “a pandemic,” positioning the app’s mission as making movement rewarding for all.

Since its U.S. launch in 2023, WeWard has already achieved 1 million downloads, eyeing a share of a fitness app market projected to reach $55 billion by 2028. The app distinguishes itself by offering cash rewards—over $20 million paid out to users—alongside gifts and charity donations. Its partnerships with major brands like Nike, Adidas, Amazon, and Netflix enhance its appeal and reward ecosystem. Leveraging celebrity influence, Williams’ endorsement and her new wellness book, STRIVE, amplify the app’s reach and credibility.

Venus Williams brings more than star power—she’s a committed wellness entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her Bam, Books and Brotherhood Foundation builds fitness centers and supports education. She has invested in tech-driven health solutions, including social investing and substance abuse care platforms. This partnership with WeWard aligns with her broader legacy of empowering communities through health, opportunity, and innovation.

As fitness apps vie for dominance, WeWard’s gamified, reward-driven model—now supercharged by Williams’ global influence—stands out as a catalyst for change. By making walking fun, competitive, and socially impactful, the partnership is poised to turn a daily habit into a worldwide movement for better health and social good.

“A large part of staying well and active is simply by moving your body whichever way you can, and with WeWard, walking becomes a fun and rewarding experience. I’m excited to be part of a movement that encourages people to take that first step towards a healthier, more active lifestyle,” Williams shared.

With Williams leading the charge, WeWard is not just counting steps—it’s counting on a healthier, more connected future.