French-American startup Growl is poised to disrupt the connected fitness industry with its innovative, immersive boxing experience that brings the gym to your living room. Inspired by hardware companies like Peloton and Tonal, Growl's revolutionary device combines a wall-mounted frame, a boxing bag component, and cutting-edge technology to provide users with a comprehensive, gamified fitness experience from the comfort of their own homes.

The brainchild of co-founder and CEO Léo Desrumaux, Growl aims to transform the traditional punching bag, an object that has remained largely unchanged for over 3,000 years. By integrating a 4K projector, sensors, and AI-powered coaching, Growl's device provides users with a full-scale, at-home boxing and fitness coach for the whole family, priced at $150 per month.

The device consists of two main parts: a frame that attaches to your wall and a boxing bag component that attaches to the frame. The frame houses the 4K projector, which projects a human-sized coach onto the boxing bag, as well as various metrics on the wall. This innovative approach eliminates the risk of damaging a screen, as users are punching light rather than a physical display.

The boxing bag itself is equipped with five or six accelerometers to detect punching power, while the frame features speakers, cameras with infrared sensors, and time-of-flight sensors to calculate the impact zone of your punch and your posture. This advanced technology enables Growl to reproduce the physical presence of a one-on-one coach, providing users with a personalized, immersive experience.

Growl is working with a team of coaches to develop a comprehensive content library, which will include boxing classes, as well as yoga, Pilates, and strength training sessions. The device will be priced similarly to Tonal devices, with a full price of around $4,500, although most customers are expected to opt for a financing option with monthly payments. A subscription plan will also be available to access new content.

Despite the crowded connected fitness market, Growl's CEO remains confident in the company's prospects, citing the industry's resilience and potential for growth. Desrumaux notes that companies like Peloton, which faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, have since recovered and continue to thrive. By maintaining financial discipline, Growl aims to carve out a successful niche in the market.

Based in Austin, Texas, and Paris, France, Growl has raised $4.75 million in seed funding from investors including Skip Capital, Kima Ventures, Teampact Ventures, and several business angels, such as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane. The company plans to start accepting pre-orders in April 2025, with the first units expected to ship to customers in 2026.

With its innovative technology, immersive user experience, and competitive pricing, Growl is poised to make a significant impact in the connected fitness industry. As the company prepares to launch its revolutionary device, fitness enthusiasts and tech enthusiasts alike will be eagerly watching its progress.