Berlin-based fitness app TRAIT, formerly known as twaiv, has secured €1 million in seed funding from HTGF, the angel club better ventures, and other private investors. This funding will fuel the development of its innovative AI training platform, which aims to offer a personalized and empathetic training experience for runners.
TRAIT’s mission is to help individuals achieve their training goals and lead more active and fulfilling lives. The startup combines science-based training with a strong sense of community. According to their research, the main obstacles to achieving fitness goals are not a lack of statistics or workouts, but rather the inflexibility of training plans and the absence of a supportive network. TRAIT addresses these issues, ensuring that even when life gets in the way, users receive the support they need.
Rebranded as TRAIT, the startup has relaunched its training app with a renewed focus on runners. The previous version saw significant growth, with annual downloads increasing by 178%, thanks to its highly individualized running training plans and virtual coach. Building on this success, founders Raphael Jung and Matthias Ettrich aim to offer even more tailored support to runners. Since its inception in 2021 under the name twaiv, the company has focused on AI-generated, adaptive training plans, leading up to its relaunch as TRAIT in July 2024.
Raphael Jung, CEO of TRAIT, highlights the app’s empathetic nature: “With TRAIT, we have developed an app that is as understanding as a human coach. We help people get back into sports by combining sports science and AI training with real social support. With the help of HTGF, better ventures, and other private investors, we are ready to revolutionize how people approach fitness.”
The seed funding will enable TRAIT to realize its vision of an empathetic and adaptive training environment that prioritizes both performance and the well-being of its users. The founders are determined to set a new industry standard by emphasizing the importance of human interaction and social support in fitness training.
Johannes Dierkes, Investment Manager at HTGF, expressed excitement about TRAIT’s approach: “We are thrilled about TRAIT’s vision and their empathetic AI training platform. It’s designed to strengthen individuals not just physically, but also mentally.”
TRAIT’s innovative approach combines AI technology with personalized coaching and community support. The app adapts to each runner’s unique needs, offering flexible training plans that adjust based on progress and lifestyle changes. This adaptability ensures that users can maintain their training regimen despite life’s unpredictability.
One of the standout features of TRAIT is its ability to provide real-time feedback and adjustments. Users receive personalized tips and modifications to their training plans based on their performance and feedback. This dynamic approach helps runners stay motivated and on track to achieve their goals.
In addition to its adaptive training plans, TRAIT fosters a sense of community among its users. The app connects runners with similar goals and interests, creating a support network that encourages mutual encouragement and accountability. This community aspect is crucial for maintaining motivation and achieving long-term fitness success.
The rebranding to TRAIT also marks a significant upgrade in the app’s technology. The new version incorporates advanced AI algorithms that better understand and predict a user’s needs, making the training experience more intuitive and effective. This technological enhancement ensures that TRAIT remains at the forefront of fitness innovation.
TRAIT’s commitment to user well-being extends beyond physical fitness. The app emphasizes the mental health benefits of regular exercise and community support. By addressing both physical and mental aspects of fitness, TRAIT offers a holistic approach to training that sets it apart from other fitness apps.
With the recent funding, TRAIT is poised to expand its reach and impact. The startup plans to enhance its AI capabilities further and introduce new features that will make the training experience even more engaging and effective. This growth will enable TRAIT to support more runners in achieving their fitness goals.
In conclusion, TRAIT’s empathetic AI training platform represents a significant advancement in the fitness industry. By combining personalized coaching, adaptive training plans, and a supportive community, TRAIT is revolutionizing how people approach fitness. The recent €1 million seed funding will accelerate TRAIT’s mission to help individuals lead more active and fulfilling lives.
