DTC Podcast Ep 497: Aviron’s $25M Journey: Gamified Fitness & DTC Pivot
Apr 7, 2025
Andy Hoang, the founder of Aviron, a company that blends gaming with fitness, shares his remarkable journey. He discusses bootstrapping Aviron using home equity and the significant pivot from B2B to DTC during the pandemic. Hoang reveals how getting into Y Combinator changed the game for him and tackles the challenges of marketing high-ticket fitness equipment without clear attribution. He emphasizes the power of gamification in fitness, innovative advertising strategies, and building a strong community around the brand.
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Aviron's Origin
- Andy Hoang's passion for fitness and gaming inspired him to create Aviron.
- He found Peloton's instructor-led experience unmotivating, preferring a more competitive approach.
Bootstrapping Aviron
- Andy Hoang bootstrapped Aviron, using savings and a home equity line of credit.
- He even flew to China to convince a reluctant supplier to work with him.
B2B to DTC Pivot
- Aviron's initial go-to-market strategy was B2B, targeting gyms and hotels.
- The COVID-19 pandemic forced a pivot to direct-to-consumer (DTC).