Reform RX, a Belfast-headquartered connected fitness Pilates equipment startup, has snapped $5.1 million in funding. The round was led by Clarendon Fund Managers, an equity fund manager for the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland (supported by the British Business Bank).
Funds utilisation
The investment will fuel the company’s global expansion and drive further development of their already patented technology to further enhance Pilates personalisation and mind-body connection, for a more holistic user experience.
Clarendon Fund Managers Investment Manager, Claudine Owens said: “With Neal and Yvette at the helm, Reform RX is an ambitious company that shares our vision for the future. It will be the must-have piece of equipment for every Reformer Pilates enthusiast and studio. The deal is the largest initial investment we have ever completed in a single NI company here at Clarendon, which is a reflection of the confidence we have in the team at Reform RX. I can’t wait to see how their journey develops from here.”
How was the idea born?
ReformRX was founded in 2018 by functional movement specialist and Pilates expert Yvette McGaffin and Neal McGaffin. After running a successful reformer Pilates boutique studio business in locations across the UK, together they set out on a mission to reinvent and reimagine how the world views reformer Pilates and revolutionise the existing offering.
Partnering with Grove Design, based in the English countryside of Hertfordshire, they brought their design brief, a Pilates reformer that looked like a concept Formula One car combined with enhanced functionality to reality, with the creation of the RX reformer.
First-of-its-kind connected Pilates reformer
The company’s flagship product, the Reform RX, combines traditional Pilates principles with advanced technology. It tracks user movement to the thousandth of a second, showing real-time biometric data, delivering an unparalleled workout experience.
It enables users to participate in streamed on-demand classes, connect to wearables, and receive meaningful workout metrics. Designed for versatility, it seamlessly integrates into various locations, including boutique studios, gyms, hotels, corporate venues, and direct-to-consumer settings.
With the guidance of industry experts like Sam Bowen, formerly of Peloton, and Frank van de Ven, ex-Life Fitness, the team is redefining how Pilates is experienced across the globe by merging British design and craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
Besides the entertainment industry, many high-profile individuals choose Reform RX to enhance their wellness routines. The reformer is available in 13 countries and can ship worldwide.
“This significant investment will allow us to accelerate our global expansion and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Pilates,” said Yvette McGaffin, CEO and co-founder of Reform RX. “At Reform RX, our mission is to transform the way people work out, guiding them beyond physical fitness to a deeper mind-body connection with themselves. By integrating mindful movement and mental clarity, we empower individuals to master the essential skill of emptying the mind, fostering resilience and calm amidst the noise of modern life. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about creating a sanctuary within where body and mind thrive together. Through partnering with Clarendon Fund Managers and completing the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland deal, we are taking the next step in our company’s growth.”
Reform RX lead designer and investor, Austin Owens, added: “As the designer and an investor, I am thrilled to continue supporting Reform RX and its revolutionary vision for Pilates technology. This groundbreaking technology is transforming how people experience Pilates, providing impact and accessibility. It’s an incredible opportunity to contribute to a project that is reshaping the future of fitness.”
Bernadette Caulfield, Producer of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, has been trained by Yvette McGaffin for years. Now an investor of Reform RX, she addrd: “I’m thrilled to continue investing in Reform RX and to be part of this incredible journey. Pilates has always been a passion of mine, and it has been a privilege to train personally with Yvette for years. Seeing the growth of Reform RX and knowing how many others are benefiting from Yvette and her team’s expertise is truly inspiring.”
