SOLO Workout Raises 15M PLN to Digitalize Strength Training
Category: Investment / FitTech / AI Tags: FitTech, AI, Digital Transformation
SOLO Workout Secures 15 Million PLN to Bring AI-Powered Smart Training to Gyms Worldwide — with Backing from Investor Maciej Zientara
In a landmark raise for Poland’s FitTech scene, SOLO Workout has secured a total of 15 million PLN (approx. €3.5M) to scale its AI-driven platform for digitalizing strength training equipment. The financing comes from a dual source: 4.5M PLN in private capital led by Maciej Zientara, founder of Supernova Group, and 10.5M PLN in non-dilutive funding from Poland’s PARP program (SMART Pathway). The funds will accelerate product development and support the company’s global expansion — starting with the United States, the world’s largest fitness market.
Founded by Rafał Kasperowicz (CEO), a veteran in tech scale-ups, and Mateusz Semegen (CTO), an expert in embedded electronics and IoT, SOLO Workout offers a groundbreaking solution for an industry stuck in analog mode. Unlike expensive smart machines from companies like Tonal or Technogym, SOLO’s patented retrofit sensors can be attached to existing gym equipment, transforming legacy machines into data-rich, intelligent systems — all without expensive replacements or rewiring.
“We believe everyone should have access to smart training, not just premium gym members,” said Kasperowicz. “Our retrofit sensors bring real-time analytics and AI coaching to traditional machines — at a fraction of the cost.”
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The Problem: Gyms Still Don’t Know What You’re Lifting
While the fitness world has seen an explosion in wearables and smart apps, traditional gyms have lagged behind. Most strength machines today can’t record how much you lifted, how fast, or how cleanly. SOLO Workout solves this with wireless sensors that capture:
Number of reps and sets
Load used
Tempo and range of motion
Concentric and eccentric phases
The system integrates with mobile apps via open SDKs and APIs, allowing gyms to pair SOLO data with their own software. Users receive personalized feedback and training plans powered by SOLO’s AI Coach, which analyzes form, gives voice guidance, and adapts to real-time performance.
“This is like having a personal trainer built into the machine — but available 24/7, scalable, and affordable,” said Semegen.
Strategic Investment with Global Ambition
Investor Maciej Zientara sees SOLO Workout not just as a product, but as a platform for transforming fitness at scale.
“I’m not just investing my money — I’m investing my time, my network, and my conviction,” Zientara explained. “As a gym user, I immediately understood the value. Most people can’t afford personal trainers, but SOLO makes data-driven, individualized coaching accessible to all.”
Zientara emphasizes that this is not a speculative bet on a prototype. SOLO’s technology is already patented, validated in real environments, and poised for rollout. He describes the current moment as “a perfect storm of timing, product readiness, and funding structure” — with his private capital driving international sales, and PARP’s grant powering deeper R&D, especially around AI applications.
Why the U.S. Fitness Market Is Key
The U.S. is the $30B crown jewel of the global fitness industry. With over 40,000 gyms, most of which still use outdated equipment, the opportunity for affordable retrofit solutions is enormous. While competitors focus on selling new machines, SOLO targets the much larger retrofit market, enabling facilities to digitally leapfrog without heavy capex.
“Retrofitting is not just cheaper — it’s scalable,” said Zientara. “This isn’t a nice-to-have. For gyms competing on retention and personalization, it’s a need-to-have.”
SOLO has already begun discussions with major fitness chains and equipment distributors in North America. Pilot installations are expected this year.
The Future: Platform or Acquisition Target?
Zientara outlines two possible paths: SOLO becoming the global licensing standard for intelligent retrofitting or a strategic acquisition by a larger player (e.g., Peloton, Life Fitness, or Apple’s growing health arm).
“The company sits at the intersection of hardware, software, and — critically — data,” he said. “In a world where everyone wants behavioral insight and biometric data, SOLO has a goldmine: exercise metadata at scale.”
He believes the company’s long-term value may be in owning the world’s richest dataset of gym-based human movement, which could unlock opportunities in insurance, telehealth, and recovery analytics.
A Personal Mission, Not Just Business
Zientara’s involvement goes beyond capital. He has pledged to actively support global market entry, especially in the U.S., and to act as a “watchdog” mentor to CEO Kasperowicz.
“I told Rafał: I’m here to challenge you. This is a hard road, but it’s also the right one. Together, we’ll put SOLO on the map — not just in Poland, but in every gym around the world.”
Closing Thoughts
As fitness evolves from analog to intelligent, SOLO Workout represents a compelling vision of inclusivity, efficiency, and performance. It’s not just about lifting smarter — it’s about transforming gyms into data-driven ecosystems that better serve everyone. With strong IP, a battle-tested team, and now a war chest of funding, SOLO is well-positioned to become one of Poland’s breakout global tech successes in 2025 and beyond.
