Andy Hoang - Aviron & The Future of "Fitness Entertainment"
Feb 15, 2024
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Discover how Aviron blends gaming and fitness through rowing, targeting non-rowers with immersive experiences. Explore post-pandemic demand for at-home fitness solutions and Aviron's growth strategies in a competitive market.
Aviron blends gaming with rowing to create engaging fitness experiences for non-rowers.
Post-pandemic demand drives growth in at-home fitness solutions like Aviron's immersive software.
Luck and networking play vital roles in Aviron's success and expansion beyond rowing.
Deep dives
Avaron: Building a Future in Fitness Entertainment
Avaron is a fitness entertainment platform that combines gaming with workouts. They offer a variety of experiences, including games, virtual rowing, and coach-led classes. The company started in 2016 and has grown from a small team to over 75 employees. They have raised $23-24 million in funding and are focused on expanding beyond rowing to other modalities. Avaron aims to provide a unique and engaging fitness experience for its users, with the goal of changing lives and making a positive impact in the industry.
The Evolution of Avaron's Hardware and Software
Avaron initially launched with a rowing machine that combined video games with workouts. Over the years, they have evolved their hardware to make rowing more accessible for non-rowers. They offer a variety of workout options, including classes, virtual rowing, and different games. Avaron's software is designed to provide a comprehensive fitness entertainment experience, leveraging gaming psychology and design to make workouts engaging and addictive. They continue to refine and expand their hardware and software offerings to cater to different modalities and provide a variety of workout experiences for their users.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Fitness Industry
The fitness industry has faced challenges, especially with the contraction caused by the post-pandemic period. Customer acquisition costs have increased, and many businesses are struggling to stay afloat. However, Avaron remains optimistic and believes that as long as a business has strong margins, a solid foundation, and a unique product, success is possible. They emphasize the importance of building a business with a positive impact on people's lives, and they strive to make a difference in the industry by providing a fitness entertainment experience.
The Importance of Luck and Networking
Andy Hwang, the founder of Avaron, believes that luck plays a significant role in the success of a business. By putting themselves in positions where they can find luck, such as attending networking events and pitch competitions, they increase their chances of success. Andy emphasizes the value of meeting interesting people and learning from industry experts. He welcomes opportunities to connect with fellow founders and executives who are passionate about the fitness and wellness space.
The Future of Avaron: Expanding Beyond Rowing
Avaron aims to expand beyond rowing and become a fitness entertainment leader. They want to offer their unique and engaging experience across various modalities, including rowing, biking, and more. The company is focused on determining the best business model for their future growth, whether it's through hardware or software or a hybrid approach. They believe that by focusing on customer lifetime value and customer acquisition costs, they can continue to grow and make a positive impact in the fitness industry.
In this episode, join host Eric Malzone as he interviews Andy Hoang, the CEO and founder of Aviron, diving into the fascinating intersection of gaming and fitness, with a focus on indoor rowing. Hoang shares his journey of combining his struggles with cardio workouts and passion for competitive gaming to create Aviron, a unique fitness platform that blends gaming psychology with rowing. Despite challenges, Aviron launched its product in 2018, becoming one of the first connected rowing machines on the market. Explore Aviron’s positioning in the at-home rowing market, targeting non-rowers with accessible and enjoyable experiences, and learn about its diverse workout options and immersive software. Additionally, discover the thriving post-pandemic demand for at-home fitness solutions and Aviron’s strategies for growth in a competitive market.
