Growl, an AI-powered interactive boxing coach, aims to enhance family workouts and has secured $4.75 million in funding to develop its cutting-edge fitness product. This Austin, Texas, and Paris-based connected fitness startup emerged from stealth mode, introducing a personal at-home boxing and fitness coach tailored for the entire family. Growl offers an immersive, gamified, and AI-enabled fitness experience that stands out in the crowded fitness device market. Pre-sales for Growl are set to begin in April 2025.
Revolutionary Fitness Experience
Immersive and Gamified Workouts
Growl integrates advanced AI technology to deliver a high-intensity and immersive boxing and fitness experience directly into users’ homes. Featuring high-resolution projection and edge-AI computing, Growl creates a life-sized, interactive coach that simulates having a personal trainer. The system captures every movement using multi-camera 3D motion tracking, providing real-time, personalized feedback. Infrared time-of-flight sensors turn the bag’s surface into a responsive touch interface that instantly adapts to every punch. Additionally, its sleek, wall-mounted design ensures it fits seamlessly into any home, occupying minimal space.
Each workout session can transform ordinary exercises into captivating experiences. By leveraging gaming elements, Growl enriches the fitness experience. Users, regardless of their fitness level, can engage in dynamic workout routines, thereby maximizing each session’s efficiency and enjoyment. With workouts that can adapt and evolve, the AI-driven system ensures that boredom never becomes an issue, keeping families motivated as they strive towards their fitness goals.
Versatility for All Fitness Levels
Growl caters to all fitness goals, skill levels, and ages, offering a variety of workouts, including technical boxing, strength training, yoga, and flexibility exercises. This versatility is one of the key attractions for investors, as it evolves from a boxing focus into a comprehensive, immersive at-home fitness experience with limitless potential for future content and workouts. Adam Cook, investment partner at Skip Capital, highlighted Growl’s versatility as a significant factor in their investment, noting its ability to provide a complete at-home fitness experience for all ages.
Adapting seamlessly to different household dynamics, Growl ensures that each family member can benefit from tailored workout routines. Families can train together or individually, fostering a shared fitness culture at home. With real-time adjustments enabled by AI, workouts remain challenging yet achievable, encouraging consistent progress among users of every skill level and age. As competition intensifies in the connected fitness market, such adaptable features underscore Growl’s distinctive edge.
Cutting-Edge Technology
AI-Driven Real-Time Feedback
Growl’s AI-driven real-time feedback, achieved through multi-camera 3D motion tracking and edge-AI computing, offers users personalized insights to improve their form and technique with each session. The fitness coach provides family-friendly workouts for individuals aged 10 and up, allowing families to train together or individually, regardless of age, skill level, or fitness goals. This unique approach to fitness has the potential to revolutionize the connected fitness industry, which has been predominantly dominated by cycling, strength, and rowing options.
The sophisticated AI behind Growl not only guides users through their routines but also meticulously tracks progress, offering constructive feedback in real-time. By analyzing each user’s movements, it can suggest improvements, highlight strengths, and identify areas requiring attention. Over time, these tailored insights can significantly enhance overall performance, ensuring that users get the most out of every session. This transformative approach elevates Growl above traditional at-home fitness solutions, bringing professional-grade coaching into everyday households.
Advanced Sensor and Projection Technology
Growl integrates advanced sensor and projection technology to create a life-sized, interactive coach that simulates having a personal trainer. The system captures every movement using multi-camera 3D motion tracking, providing real-time, personalized feedback. Infrared time-of-flight sensors turn the bag’s surface into a responsive touch interface that instantly adapts to every punch. Additionally, its sleek, wall-mounted design ensures it fits seamlessly into any home, occupying minimal space.
The seamless integration of projection and sensor technologies delivers an unparalleled level of interactivity. By projecting clear, vivid images, Growl brings the virtual coach to life, making each workout session highly engaging. The responsive sensors translate physical punches and movements into immediate feedback, creating a loop of action and reaction that keeps users continuously focused and motivated. Maximize each workout with perfect form and efficient execution, all within the comfort and convenience of home.
Market Potential and Investment
Entry into the Global Fitness Market
Growl is positioned to enter the $322 billion global fitness industry, with a particular focus on the $110 billion U.S. fitness market, which has been growing at an annual rate of 7% as demand for premium health and fitness solutions rises. Among the investors are lead investor Skip Capital, KimaVentures, Teampact Ventures, and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane. The timing of Growl’s entry into the market is advantageous, given the rising popularity of boxing as a fitness discipline.
Investors are optimistic about Growl’s potential, given the sustained growth in demand for high-quality at-home fitness solutions. As consumers seek more versatile and engaging ways to maintain their physical well-being, Growl’s mix of advanced AI, interactive elements, and comprehensive workout options makes it a strong candidate for widespread adoption. The strategic backing from seasoned investors and industry experts further strengthens its market position, promising robust growth and development.
Strategic Investment and Support
Sam Bowen, a former VP of hardware engineering at Amazon, Peloton, and Tonal, and now a senior advisor to Growl, praised the product for successfully blending cardio and strength training in an engaging and immersive manner. He remarked that while Peloton and Tonal have set standards for their respective workout focuses, Growl offers a combination of both in a realistic and fun workout experience. This strategic investment and support from notable industry figures position Growl as a strong contender in the connected fitness market.
These endorsements from high-profile industry professionals not only validate Growl’s innovative approach but also provide invaluable insights that can drive future enhancements. Leveraging the expertise and experience of advisors like Sam Bowen enables Growl to refine its offerings continually, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of fitness technology. Such strategic support catalyzes both product innovation and market penetration, setting Growl on a trajectory for long-term success.
Founders and Vision
Founders’ Background and Vision
Growl was founded in 2022 by Léo Desrumaux and Nicolas de Maubeuge, who combined immersive projection, precision sensors, advanced AI, and gaming technology to create a full-body, high-intensity workout experience that is both thrilling and accessible. Their product is compact enough to integrate seamlessly into any home. The company’s advisors come from industry leaders like Peloton, Fitbit, Amazon, Meta, and Tonal.
Their collective experience and vision have driven Growl’s development from a concept to a revolutionary fitness solution. By intersecting various advanced technologies, they have crafted a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of modern fitness enthusiasts. Through continuous innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality, they aim to establish Growl as a household name in the fitness industry, transforming how people approach their workout routines.
Personal Connection to Boxing
Léo Desrumaux, CEO and co-founder, shared his personal connection to boxing, describing it as more than a workout but a means of building confidence, resilience, and focus. Boxing helped Desrumaux turn his life around as a teenager, building confidence and inner strength. He believes boxing’s transformative power can benefit many, which is the core message behind Growl. Nicolas de Maubeuge, co-founder and CTO, emphasized the universal appeal of boxing, particularly when made fun and accessible.
Their commitment to making fitness engaging and inclusive is evident in every aspect of Growl’s design. By drawing from personal experiences and industry expertise, they have created a product that speaks to a broad audience. Whether aiming to improve physical health or seeking a disciplined approach to building character, Growl offers a path tailored to each user’s aspirations, fostering a community of motivated and empowered individuals.
Marketing Strategy and Pricing
Visual Storytelling and Social Media Engagement
Growl’s marketing strategy leverages strong visual storytelling, capturing potential users’ attention with an engaging, life-sized coach experience. Becca Valle, a senior advisor and former marketing leader at Aescape, New York Knicks, and Meta, remarked that Growl’s visual impact and compelling content offer unique opportunities for social media engagement and authentic creator partnerships.
Through vibrant imagery and captivating narratives, Growl aims to build a robust online presence, resonating with fitness enthusiasts across various platforms. Strategic collaborations with influencers and content creators can amplify its reach, fostering a community of engaged users eager to share their fitness journeys. This approach not only enhances brand visibility but also cultivates a sense of belonging and inspiration among its growing user base.
Competitive Pricing Structure
Growl is an AI-powered interactive boxing coach aiming to improve family workouts and has already secured $4.75 million in funding for its cutting-edge fitness product. This innovative startup, hailing from Austin, Texas, and Paris, has recently debuted from stealth mode. Growl offers a personal boxing and fitness coach for home use, specifically designed for the whole family. What sets Growl apart in the crowded fitness device market is its immersive, gamified experience powered by AI, providing a unique and engaging workout session. This connected fitness system aims to transform how families work out together, enhancing their fitness journeys with the latest technology. Pre-sales for Growl begin in April 2025, giving families the opportunity to revolutionize their at-home fitness routines. With this innovative approach, Growl is poised to make a significant impact on the fitness industry, creating a tailored and interactive experience for all users.