GROWL, a connected fitness startup to launch an AI-powered, interactive boxing coach for an enhanced at-home fitness experience.
GROWL, a connected at-home fitness startup, has burst onto the scene with the announcement of its AI-powered, life-sized interactive boxing coach. The Austin, Texas- and Paris, France-based company has secured $4.75M in seed funding, led by Skip Capital, with participation from Kima Ventures, Teampact Ventures, and UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane.
Designed to revolutionise at-home fitness, GROWL combines immersive AI technology, gamification, and premium design to offer a personalised, interactive boxing experience for the whole family.
AI boxing bags: The future of at-home fitness
Imagine turning your living room into a high-energy boxing gym, complete with a responsive coach guiding every punch. With GROWL’s technology, a sleek wall-mounted boxing bag transforms into an AI-powered trainer. Equipped with multi-camera 3D motion tracking, edge-AI computing, and infrared sensors, it provides real-time feedback to sharpen technique and maximise workout effectiveness.
The product is part of the rapidly expanding $322B global fitness market, which is growing by 7% annually in the U.S. alone. Offering workouts for all skill levels and fitness goals, GROWL delivers an experience that is more than exercise.
“The versatility of GROWL is what convinced us to invest: it goes far beyond boxing, evolving into a complete, immersive at-home fitness experience, with limitless possibilities for future content and workouts—whether for parents, kids, or anyone in between,” said Adam Cook, Investment Partner at Skip Capital.
Punching through barriers: Redefining at-home connected fitness
GROWL sets itself apart by merging cardio, strength training, and interactive gamification into one product. Features such as Unreal Engine-powered gameplay, lifelike resistance, and customisable workouts make it a standout in the crowded connected fitness market, which is dominated by cycling and rowing products.
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane praised the innovation, “GROWL is something else entirely. Every session feels like a game, drawing you back for more. It makes boxing fun and accessible without sacrificing any of the thrill.”
With boxing emerging as the fastest-growing boutique fitness trend in the U.S., GROWL taps into a growing audience seeking accessible, empowering workouts.
“Boxing holds universal potential—if you make it fun and accessible. It’s no surprise that 70% of clients of upscale boxing studios are women. With GROWL, we are combining this momentum with the latest sensor-perception and rendering technologies to create a powerful and accessible boxing and fitness experience, for everyone at home,” said Nicolas de Maubeuge, GROWL’s co-founder and CTO.
Empowering families through fitness
GROWL’s mission is deeply personal for CEO and co-founder Léo Desrumaux, who credits boxing with transforming his life as a teenager. “I found myself through combat sports and boxing. Suddenly, I realized I wasn’t made out of glass – that I could take a punch but also hit back. I discovered my potential and, more importantly, learned the tools to execute on that potential—a powerful gift for any young person. There’s a saying, ‘Once you’ve boxed, everything else in life is easy.’ That’s the power we’re bringing into homes with GROWL.”
With workouts designed for ages 10 and up, GROWL aims to bring families together for shared fitness experiences, whether through technical boxing, strength training, or flexibility exercises. Its compact design allows it to fit seamlessly into any home.
Packing a punch with investors
Backed by an impressive roster of investors, including Skip Capital, Kima Ventures, and prominent tech founders, GROWL is poised to redefine the home fitness category. Senior advisors from Peloton, Tonal, and Meta are lending their expertise to ensure the product delivers a premium, engaging experience.
Priced at an estimated $150 per month for unlimited family access, pre-sales for GROWL are expected to begin in April 2025, giving fitness enthusiasts a chance to experience this innovative product firsthand.
With its focus on gamification, family-friendly workouts, and cutting-edge AI technology, GROWL is not just a fitness product—it is aiming to be a transformative fitness experience.
