May 23, 2019
Future, a fitness startup based in San Francisco, has raised $8.5 million in Series A funding led by Kleiner Perkins to expand its app-based personal training program, according to a press release.
The company uses data and smartphone connections to link customers to certified personal trainers, who help them to develop and maintain targeted fitness programs using remote mobile connections and interactive messaging. Customers do not need to go to a gym, but for $5 a day, get weekly training plans and can interact with trainers from home or while traveling.
The personal trainers, who include some former amateur and professional athletes and veterans of major athletic programs, monitor the daily progress of members and provide immediate feedback and encouragement.
The new funding will be used to expand the company's go-to-market strategy, scale trainer operations and expand the number of business partnerships, according to a company release.
"Every year, 125 million Americans try to get fit to look great, or improve their overall health and longevity, but nearly 80% quit their exercise routine within three months," Future co-founder and CEO Rishi Mandal said in the release. "We created Future to help people stay accountable for their personal health and fitness aspirations, while providing continuous support and coaching to meet those goals."
Current seed investors in the firm include Khosla Ventures, Instagram founder Mike Krieger, Caffeinated Capital, Founders Fund and NFL players Ndamukong Suh and Kelvin Beachum.
As part of the new investment, Kleiner Perkins partner Mamoon Hamid will join the Future board of directors. The company has raised a total of $11.5 million to date.
Topics: Mobile Apps, Technology Providers
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