What would happen if every kilometer pedaled became an investment for oneself, the environment, and the future? This is the question behind Imatra, an Italian startup that created Imatra Coin, the first native digital complementary, green currency produced by human energy to be spent on a marketplace of over 100 premium cycling brands. We discuss this with Manolo Bianchini, founder and CEO of the platform.

Can you explain what Imatra is and why a cyclist should download it?

"Imatra is an app that rewards every kilometer cycled with a digital currency called Imatra Coin. It's not a cryptocurrency, but a native digital complementary, green currency produced by human energy that excludes any energy-intensive process. Every 25 normalized kilometers, calculated based on distance and gradient, generates an Imatra Coin, which can be spent on imatra.com to purchase products from the best cycling brands, including limited editions".

In a time when sustainability is widely discussed, what makes Imatra Coin truly green?

"Unlike cryptocurrencies, Imatra Coin is produced through proof of stake and the cyclist's physical energy. No server farms, no emissions: just the human body. Each ride is tracked and validated by the app, which releases a digital certificate with the number of kilometers traveled and Coins earned. Beyond incentivizing an active lifestyle, we also contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions, and the app allows real-time monitoring of this savings".

At the beginning of the year, you closed a significant investment. What impact will it have on the app's future?

"Yes, CDP Venture Capital decided to invest up to 5 million euros in Imatra through the Digital Transition fund. It's a partnership that gives us great strength because we firmly believe in a sustainable and circular sports economy. Our goal is to continue growing the international community and integrate new features, not only for cyclists but, in the future, for other sports as well".

You've also announced a partnership with Garmin. How does it work?

"We've integrated Garmin Connect, a fundamental step to make life easier for our users. Those who record their bike rides through a Garmin device can automatically synchronize them with Imatra, thus converting each activity into currency. It's a natural and immediate way to value every single pedal stroke. Garmin is a reference point in the endurance world, and shares our philosophy based on data, performance, and sustainability".

How do you use the app? Do you need a smart bike?

"Absolutely not. A smartphone with GPS or a Garmin device is sufficient. After logging in, click 'Start' at the beginning of the ride and 'Stop' at the end. If connected to Garmin, the process is even smoother. The app calculates normalized kilometers and automatically generates Coins. Users can then spend them on our marketplace, where they can pay in euros, or with a combination of the two currencies".

So it's not just an app, but a real ecosystem?

"Exactly. Our marketplace hosts over 100 cycling and lifestyle brands, many of which offer exclusive items purchasable only with Imatra Coin. Soon it will also be possible to exchange Coins between users and use them in physical stores, extending the currency's use beyond the digital world".

What is Imatra's long-term vision?

"We want to contribute to individual and collective change. Imatra was created to reward those who move sustainably, who choose a healthy lifestyle, who love true sports. It's a sportstech and fintech platform serving the community. Cycling is just the starting point: we want to expand the model to other sports and build an economy".