The future of exercise and nutrition was on display at a Dec. 9 event in Lake Nona.
Lead Sports hosted the second demo day for its Lake Nona Sports & Health Tech Accelerator since the accelerator launched in 2020. Five startups from around the world showcased their innovative wellness and sports technologies, and also shared their plans for 2022, including fundraising, job growth and big-name partnerships.
These companies in August were selected to take part in Lead Sports’ six-month accelerator program. They were picked from an applicant pool of 495 companies, said Lead Program and Marketing Director Nathalie Sonne at the demo day event. “We received the highest number of applications since our inception.”
While none of these companies is headquartered in Central Florida, the event is still important for the region. Companies that participate in the accelerator get exposed to the Lake Nona community, often work with local partners and may expand to or relocate in the Orlando region. For example, Portland, Maine-based Kinotek Inc. is establishing a Florida office in Orlando after going through the accelerator.
Here’s a look at five ways these companies plan to shake up the world of sports and health:
Bounce back from injury with a ‘pocket physical therapist’
What it does: Scottish company Suji offers blood flow restriction training equipment that’s meant to be easier to use and cheaper than others on the market. The equipment pairs with a mobile app that instructs the patient how to use it and offers a personalized recovery regimen.
What’s next: Suji in December landed a go-to-market partnership with local health system Orlando Health. This is expected to generate the company $1 million in annual recurring revenue. The firm is raising a $2 million investment round to grow its staff of four people to nine.
Build a fitness business
What it does: Chicago-based Indifit Inc.’s platform lets fitness instructors virtually manage their classes and their businesses. The platform lets fitness instructors market their services, book appointments and accept payments. IndiFit offers free and subscription versions of its platform, and it charges end users a processing fee on all sales.
What’s next: IndiFit this month opened an investment round with the purpose of raising $2 million to accelerate its growth after it launched in August. The company aims to end 2022 with 1,000 active users and $1 million in annual recurring revenue, said founder and CEO Cheryl Kemp.
Get personalized nutrition advice on your phone
What it does: Kutai developed a wearable nutritional tracker and corresponding mobile app to let users track their nutritional habits and get a personalized nutritional plan. The Colombian company’s artificial intelligence-powered application gives the user daily “challenges” or goals to accomplish.
What’s next: In the first quarter of next year, Kutai plans to launch its product. The company also is attempting to raise a $750,000 pre-seed round, and CEO Simon Villa Arango said Kutai has raised 85% of it.
Save lives by tracking blood oxygen levels
What it does: Arlington, Virginia-based OxiWear Inc. developed an ear wearable device that provides continuous blood oxygen monitoring. The OxiWear device stands to help prevent injuries or death due to hypoxia, a condition marked by a lack of oxygen in tissue. When blood oxygen levels fall too low, users and their emergency contacts get real-time text alerts.
What’s next: OxiWear expects to release its consumer-grade device by the middle of next year. The company in March is opening a $3 million seed round to fund work to get its product approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and released as a medical device, said founder and CEO Shavini Fernando.
Take your Apple Watch data to the next level
What it does: Los Angeles-based startup Point created an app that takes data tracked by other wearable devices, such as an Apple Watch or FitBit, and analyzes it to make recommendations. For example, Point can detect if a recurring fitness class is affecting a user’s sleep schedule and recommend a new type of class or a new time.
What’s next: The company is seeking to raise a $4 million seed round, which is 85% committed.
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