New York-based Proteus Motion, a fitness tech startup that makes a 3D resistance training machine, has scooped $8.5 million in a Series A funding round. The investment was co-led by Acies Investment and HBSE Ventures.
In addition, athlete investors Blake Griffin (through his venture fund Blake Griffin Enterprises), former NBA player Matthew Dellavedova and recently retired MLB pitcher Jon Lester, a three-time World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs invested in Proteus Motion. They joined existing investors LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau, MLB Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, and former MLB pitcher Chris Capuano.
With this, the total funding raised by Proteus Motion accounts for $17 million and it will use the funds to expand the team, and scale up its software offerings and production capabilities.
In addition to the investment, Proteus Motion announced that Paul Byrne, one of the most recognized and respected executives in the fitness industry, will join its board of directors. Byrne is credited for bringing the elliptical trainer to market, which is one of the bestselling fitness products of all time.
“What we’ve been doing with them is now basically building into the software parts of the elite trainers’ logic and brain so that it becomes a little bit more automated,” said Proteus Motion founder and CEO Sam Miller. “And so what that means is instead of just [presenting] data that trainers have to figure out what to do with, we’re turning that into insights and recommendations that are entirely through the software.”
Reinvents resistance training
Founded in 2016 by Sam Miller, Proteus Motion has developed a system, which uses patented strength measurement software. This software guides users through 4-minute physical assessments that deliver performance insights. Also, it provides a resistance training experience dubbed 3D resistance for top athletes across the world.
Its patented 3D Resistance is touted to unlock a new frontier in human performance data and software content, while delivering a totally new workout experience. By providing constant resistance in all directions, 3D Resistance is the first-ever way to accurately measure strength and power for every movement humans can perform.
Proteus Motion uses electromagnetic brakes to produce resistance that the user must overcome to move the arm or beam. This futuristic cannon packs a heavy punch of technology that uses biofeedback and tracking technology. This wat, it enables athletes to optimise their movement patterns and power development.
Elite athletes using the hardware include MLB’s Miguel Cabrera, Giancarlo Stanton, JD Martinez and Justin Verlander, golfers DeChambeau, the NBA’s Damian Lillard, and Jon Rahm and NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The startup features a six-member team of trainer ambassadors, including Eric Cressey.
