In a move that could reshape the fitness and wellness landscape, Autograph, the Web3 company co-founded by NFL legend Tom Brady, has merged with Future, a digital fitness coaching company. The merger aims to combine Autograph’s athlete relationships and brand-building expertise with Future’s personalized coaching platform, making elite fitness training more accessible to a broader audience.
Combining Athlete Engagement with Personalized Fitness
The newly formed entity will operate under the Future brand, with Future’s CEO and co-founder, Rishi Mandal, taking the helm as CEO. Dillon Rosenblatt, co-founder of Autograph, will continue to lead Autograph’s Web3 initiatives and will play a key role in leveraging Autograph’s relationships with iconic athletes and strategic partners to drive Future’s growth. Tom Brady will join Future’s board of directors as Co-Chairman.
This strategic alliance unites two companies with a shared vision: to connect individuals with the tools and support they need to achieve their fitness goals. Autograph has focused on bridging the gap between fans and athletes through technology, while Future has pioneered a model of personalized, virtual fitness coaching.
What Future and Autograph Bring to the Table
Autograph: Connecting Fans with Icons
Autograph, co-founded by Tom Brady alongside Richard and Dillon Rosenblatt, has established itself as a prominent player in the Web3 space. The company specializes in creating unique digital collections and experiences, connecting fans with iconic figures in sports, entertainment, and culture. Autograph’s success lies in its ability to leverage technology to foster deeper engagement between athletes and their fan base. The platform has secured partnerships with major players like DraftKings and Lionsgate.
Future: Personalized Fitness Coaching at Scale
Future, founded by Silicon Valley veterans Rishi Mandal and Justin Santamaria, has reimagined personal training by connecting members with dedicated coaches through a digital app and wearable interface. The platform leverages data and AI to deliver personalized workout programs and ongoing support, catering to individuals of all fitness levels, from beginners to professional athletes. Future‘s coaches manage each member’s fitness across all of their fitness activities, at home or on-the-go, building a regimen that can incorporate a wide mix of at-home equipment, outdoor activities, gyms, group fitness classes and more.
The Vision for the Future of Fitness
The merger of Autograph and Future represents a significant step toward democratizing access to elite fitness coaching. By combining Autograph’s athlete network with Future’s technology-driven platform, the new entity aims to provide personalized training experiences on a massive scale.
Leveraging Athlete Expertise
Tom Brady‘s involvement is a key element of this vision. As a seven-time Super Bowl champion, Brady has extensive experience working with top-tier coaches and trainers. He believes that Future’s technology can replicate the benefits of personalized coaching for a wider audience.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible coaches and trainers who have not only helped me develop my skills and understand my body but also played a vital role in my longevity—allowing me to perform at the highest level for as long as I have,” said Brady. “With Future’s technology, we have an exciting opportunity to provide personalized 1-on-1 coaching on a large scale, allowing our members to be empowered and supported in achieving their goals and sustaining peak performance over time.”
AI-Powered Personalization
Future’s platform is powered by sophisticated AI models that analyze user data to create tailored workout plans and provide ongoing feedback. This technology, combined with the expertise of human coaches, allows Future to deliver a highly personalized fitness experience. Future Members work with a real coach, on average exchanging 1,000 text messages with their coach each year and completing over 150 training sessions. Future’s proprietary software suite, Coach OS, incorporates its Assistant Coach AI technology to interpret members’ needs and optimize progress tracking.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tom as well as other iconic athletes to Future,” said Rishi Mandal, CEO of Future. “With our expert coaches and technology-driven approach, we will expand our offerings and give our members access to the philosophies and motivational insights of the world’s best athletes.”
The Impact on the Fitness Industry
The merger of Autograph and Future has the potential to disrupt the fitness industry in several ways:
- Increased Accessibility: By leveraging technology and virtual coaching, the combined entity can reach a broader audience than traditional personal training models.
- Personalized Experiences: The focus on personalized workout plans and ongoing support can lead to better results and increased adherence for users.
- Data-Driven Insights: The use of AI and data analytics can provide valuable insights into user behavior and optimize training programs.
- Athlete Engagement: The involvement of high-profile athletes can inspire and motivate users, driving greater engagement with the platform.
Future’s Growth and Success
Future has already demonstrated its ability to thrive in the digital fitness market. The company has raised significant funding from investors, including Kate Hudson and Kevin Durant, and has established partnerships with major brands like the New York Knicks. In 2022, the company announced the close of its $75 million in a Series C round led by SC Holdings and Trustbridge Partners.
The digital fitness industry is booming as a result of the pandemic. Investments continue to pour in for tech products that can accommodate an at-home fitness regimen, from D2C pilates equipment to AI-powered workout mirrors.
Future’s model has attracted over $110 million from established VCs like Khosla, Kleiner Perkins, and Alumni Ventures.
Leadership Perspectives
Rishi Mandal, CEO of Future
“With Tom’s leadership, we aim to bring the same level of care and coaching that the world’s greatest athletes rely on to many more people, from New Years beginners to Olympians on the world stage, and beyond,” said Rishi Mandal, CEO of Future. “We share a belief that, in order to unlock someone’s full potential, it takes a village – a coach in your corner. At Future, we aspire to combine the world’s best coaches with AI, software, and sensors to train billions of people globally.”
Richard Rosenblatt, Executive Chairman
“This merger allows us to redefine personalized health by combining software, wearables, expert coaching, and AI to help individuals unlock their full potential,” said Richard Rosenblatt, now Executive Chairman of the newly formed company.
Looking Ahead
The merger of Autograph and Future marks an exciting new chapter for both companies. By combining their strengths and resources, they are poised to transform the fitness industry and empower individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals. The integration of Autograph’s athlete relationships promises to bring fresh perspectives and motivational content to the Future platform, enhancing the user experience and driving engagement. As the company moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it leverages AI and technology to further personalize the fitness journey and make elite coaching accessible to all.
