CLASSPASS
Founders: Payal Kadakia & Mary Biggins
Headquarters: New York, NY
Year Founded: 2013
Year Romulus Invested: 2014
ClassPass is a monthly membership that allows users to experiment with different types of fitness classes. Users can diversify their workouts, explore new options, and uncover new passions without committing to any particular gym or studio. Founded in 2013, ClassPass has revolutionized the on-demand approach to fitness, growing a loyal follower base in 30+ cities worldwide.
The ClassPass-Romulus story:
We heard about ClassPass founder Payal Kadakia through the MIT network. She was well-known at MIT for her passion for dance, and when we first met her she exuded that same passion as well as confidence and hunger. “She was creating her own world, with a solution to her own fitness-related frustrations,” Krishna recollects. We invested in the company while it was in TechStars and have been a happy participant in its meteoric rise since.
Romulus value in action: Creative. ClassPass’ highly artistic founder started her company because she was personally frustrated by the lack of available, affordable options for dance classes. She created the future she wanted to experience—and that is the authentic origin of her company’s commitment to fitness and fun.