In-home boxing startup raises $20m as working out from home seems here to stay

Cue “Eye of the Tiger.” At-home boxing startup Liteboxer (how have we not heard of this?) scored $20m in funding to get its machine in front of more customers, per TechCrunch.

Liteboxer is a freestanding shield with 6 targets that light up to show you when and where to punch. Hits are timed to music, and boxers are scored on accuracy and strength.

The device retails for ~$1.5k, while a $29/month subscription includes workouts with Liteboxer trainers.

We know what you’re thinking…

… Peloton for boxing. And honestly, why not?

From March to October of 2020, home fitness revenue doubled to $2.3B vs. the previous year. Over the same span, treadmill sales spiked 135% while stationary bike sales were up 3x.

Also:

• Peloton itself saw sales growth of 232% during shutdowns.
• Strength trainer Tonal’s sales grew 8x+ in 2020. It just raised $250m in March, bringing its valuation to $1.6B.
• VR fitness app Supernatural, where players blast targets in scenic locations, saw subscriptions ($19/month) double after Quest 2 launched last fall.

But what happens now that gyms are back?

A New Consumer and Coefficient Capital survey found 76% of Americans started working out more at home in 2020, and 66% preferred it.

Analysts told The Washington Post that people will likely keep using the  equipment and routines they’ve invested in, but will seek out gyms for social experiences.

Likewise, fitness pros who spoke to The Wall Street Journal predict exercisers — like employees — will go hybrid, splitting their sweat between the gym and home.

TBH, at-home boxing is probably more exciting than that winnerless Mayweather vs. Paul fight.