Trackbar

Founded in 2019 by Stephan Glauninger, Stefan Schade, and Lukas Butt, Trackbar is a Vienna-based fitness technology company aiming to digitize the strength training experience in gyms. The firm addresses the significant portion of analog equipment in fitness studios by offering a retrofittable solution that makes traditional strength machines smart.

Trackbar's core business revolves around a sensor-based system that gym operators can attach to their existing, non-digital strength training equipment, regardless of the manufacturer. This approach allows fitness clubs to modernize their facilities and enhance member services without the high capital expenditure of purchasing entirely new smart equipment. The company's business model targets gym operators, including franchises like Anytime Fitness, and equipment manufacturers, providing them an avenue to generate recurring revenue streams. By making analog machines digitally compatible, Trackbar positions itself as a key partner for modernizing the fitness floor.

The product, named CURVE, consists of hardware that is installed on weight stack machines to track critical workout parameters such as motion and speed. This data is then sent in real-time to a mobile app and on-screen displays, providing gym members with immediate feedback and guided workouts. Key features include gamified training plans, progress tracking, and integration with existing gym software ecosystems like EGYM, creating a seamless user experience across all connected equipment. This system not only guides members through their workout but also connects them with coaches, enhancing the potential for personalized training. In 2022, the CURVE system won the Innovation and Trend Award at the FIBO fitness trade fair.

The company has secured pre-seed funding totaling approximately €450K ($522K) from investors including Reflex Capital, Look AI Ventures (formerly AI Startup Incubator), and angel investor Gernot Singer to develop its technology and expand its market presence. A significant milestone is the technology partnership with equipment manufacturer ERGOFIT, which led to the co-creation of new connected fitness products. Keywords: connected fitness, gym technology, smart gym, fitness equipment, strength training, workout tracking, digital fitness, FitTech, gym modernization, B2B fitness, retrofittable sensor, AI fitness, EGYM integration, ERGOFIT partnership, fitness data, gamified workouts, member engagement, gym management software, Vienna startup, Stephan Glauninger