Kabata Raises $5M for AI-Powered Dumbbells That Track Form
The immersive workout platform has captured the attention of investors and pro athletes for its progress-tracking dumbbells that will ship this fall
Next-gen strength training is gaining steam with investors as artificial intelligence is making dumbbells (and fitness in general) smart.
Kabata, an immersive workout platform, has raised $5 million in a seed round to further develop its AI-powered dumbbells, which adapt to users’ progress.
The all-in-one smart dumbbells are adjustable from 5 to 60 lbs. They can count reps, analyze form and use AI-powered coaching to adjust the weights as needed.
The dumbbells also tout gaming-inspired, patent-pending haptics, sending vibrations, pulses and rumbles to a user’s palm when a form correction is needed, a set is completed or a personal best has been achieved. A velocity-based training feature monitors rep quality so users can make progress safely and be informed when they’re fatigued and may be at risk for injury.
“Not only are dumbbells statistically the most used piece of fitness equipment, they are also arguably the most recognizable and iconic to strength training – yet they’ve remained the same for decades,” Kabata CEO and co-founder Kareem Aly said. “In my experience as a personal trainer, I see more people starting to understand the benefits of strength training and wanting to incorporate it into their routines, but it’s often difficult to get started.”
The smart dumbbells are available for pre-order and are slated to ship this fall. Kabata is running an early bird promo for $799.
New users to Kabata log on to the platform’s app and complete a brief onboarding session. Kabata then creates a personalized six-week workout program with self-guided exercises and trainer-led classes while rep count, time under tension, velocity, power, and calories are tracked in real-time. Over the first couple of weeks, Kabata AI will use the workout data to fine-tune workout recommendations and make program adjustments and weight increases.
“Weight training is not just for muscle men; it’s for everyone,” Menlo Ventures partner Shawn Carolan said. “Kabata’s AI dumbbells hold the key to unlocking strength training for the masses.”
The seed round, led by Menlo Ventures, included participation from Courtside Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, Wildcard Ventures, MVP Ventures, AIR Ventures, Alumni Ventures and former NBA player Zaza Pachulia.
Kabata has also attracted Bradley Chubb of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins as an investor.
Data-Driven Fitness
AI is quickly changing the fitness landscape, both for at-home fitness consumers and operators.
Smart home gym company Tempo raised $220 million in a Series C round in 2021 for its smart weight system that uses AI-powered sensors and provides real-time form feedback and personalized daily workouts by leveraging biometric data.
Tonal raised $130 million in new funding last year for its AI-powered approach to at-home strength training. smart home gym company and has amassed five years’ worth of complete data collection on strength training.
Connected rowing company Hydrow has also leveled up its AI efforts, having acquired a majority stake in Speede Fitness, a strength training and analytics company that has two AI-powered strength trainers.
On the operator side, fit tech company EGYM recently debuted EGYM Genius, an AI-powered software that develops adaptable and personalized training plans based on user goals and billions of data points. The software can also link strength equipment, free weights, cardio and more. The software is expected to roll out later this fall.
