January is a busy time of year for most fitness professionals. However, as many of us take out gym memberships as part of our New Year resolution to get back in shape, few of us manage to stick with it [or even make our first visit. This is usually due to our own failings as good intensions get pushed aside in favour of our normal routines.
Fitness professionals must make the most of this time of year and work hard on retaining those who are determined to continue improving their physical health. Organising and managing new clients effectively, while also delivering a quality service to keep long-term clients from looking elsewhere [or giving up completely] is essential for maintaining a good client-base for the rest of the year.
Harbiz, a Spanish startup providing a technology platform to aid fitness professionals, has successfully concluded a €5 million funding round. Octopus Ventures spearheaded the round, with participation from existing investors, including JME Ventures, Athos Capital, and Enzo Ventures. The funding will empower Harbiz to consolidate its growth in the UK and German markets, enhance its product innovation, and continue its pursuit of top-tier talent on a global scale.
All-in-one digital fitness management platform
Harbiz offers fitness professionals an all-encompassing digital platform for managing their businesses. This platform simplifies client engagement, allowing fitness experts to reach a global audience seamlessly through their smartphones, and enhance their personal brand. Present in more than 35 countries, Harbiz was founded in 2020 by Mario Morante and Javier Ortega. The company currently boasts more than 6,000 professionals advising and improving the lives of over 120,000 clients.
Strategic use of funding for product innovation and market expansion
This substantial funding injection will play a vital role in elevating Harbiz’s innovation, research, and product offerings. A significant focus will be on incorporating AI tools to enhance the user experience for fitness professionals, including personal trainers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and yoga instructors. The goal is to enable 100% online management of their clients, setting a new standard in the industry.
Exponential growth
Since its founding, Harbiz has witnessed extraordinary growth, doubling its turnover in 2023 compared to the previous year. This round of funding, led by Octopus Ventures—one of the most prominent venture capital investors in the UK and Europe—affirms Harbiz’s strategic vision and potential.
Uthish Ranjan, Partner at Octopus Ventures: “We are delighted to support Harbiz with increasing their UK and German presence. Customer engagement is central to the success of any wellness business, and Harbiz’s best-in-class platform is a game-changer for fitness professionals seeking to improve their client acquisition and retention strategies.”
Perspectives from leadership
Mario Morante, CEO, and co-founder of Harbiz expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership with Octopus Ventures, emphasizing the importance of the support of experienced VCs in Europe. He believes that, with the backing of their partners and the dedicated Harbiz team, the company is poised to become a global leader in the sector.
“We are very happy to have reached this milestone for the company and to have a new partner in Octopus Ventures, one of the most experienced VCs in Europe.” Said Morante, “We are convinced that with the great team that makes up Harbiz and the support of our partners, we will be able to meet our goals and become the global leader in our sector”.
Javier Ortega, co-founder of Harbiz, sees this funding round as an opportunity to propel growth, improve the product, and gain valuable market insights. The goal is to “make Harbiz the ultimate ally for all fitness and health professionals worldwide.”
Continuing the success story
This funding round follows a previous €2.5 million financing round in May 2022, involving contributions from JME Ventures, Athos Capital, Enzo Ventures, and notable business angels.
