The fitness centers and gyms industry in the US thrives on promoting healthier lifestyles and wellness. This sector includes everything from large commercial gyms to smaller boutique studios that focus on specialized workouts. Companies offer a variety of services, including personal training, group classes, and nutrition advice. As more people prioritize fitness, there's a trend toward thoughtful innovation, such as digital platforms for at-home workouts and personalized training models. Due to increasing health awareness, the industry is projected to continue growing, with technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing member engagement and experience.

The list features an array of investors in the fitness sector, including venture capital firms and private equity supporters. They vary in size and focus, from notable giants like L Catterton to newer players like Deep Tech Fund. Hailing from locations such as New York and San Francisco, these investors were founded from 1995 to 2023 and collectively made 1,176 deals in 2024, aiming specifically at enhancing the fitness centers and gyms industry by identifying promising startups and innovations.

Top 12 Fitness Centers and Gyms Investors in the US

1. Government of Canada

• Website: canada.ca
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 137
• LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In recent years, the Government of Canada has been involved in several transactions that support fitness and health initiatives, including grants to the YMCA of Greater Toronto, YMCA of Medicine Hat, and YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, all announced on May 30, 2023. Additionally, it provided a grant of $640,000 to Vivo for Healthier Generations on July 12, 2022. These transactions highlight the government's role in promoting health and wellness through community fitness programs.

2. Y Combinator

• Website: ycombinator.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 802
• LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs and resources like the Startup School. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in fitness-related companies such as FightCamp, which offers connected at-home boxing gyms, and Tempo, a smart fitness equipment provider. Their investments in these companies demonstrate their interest in the fitness industry, particularly in innovative solutions that cater to modern fitness enthusiasts.

3. 500 Global

• Website: 500.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 98
• LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Among their notable investments in the fitness sector, 500 Global has backed FightCamp, which raised $8 million in a Series A round in July 2020, and Gymtrack, which received seed funding in February 2015. Additionally, they invested in Fitocracy, a fitness social network that raised $1.2 million in a seed round in May 2012. These transactions highlight 500 Global's commitment to supporting innovative startups in the fitness industry, alongside their broader focus on technology-driven companies.

4. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

• Website: av.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 258
• LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. The firm provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Future, a digital fitness company that raised $75 million in a Series C round, and Hydrow, which raised funds in both Series A and Series C rounds. They also participated in funding for Dance Church, a company offering inclusive movement classes, and Mighty Health, which focuses on health and wellness. These investments highlight their engagement in the fitness and wellness industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.

5. StartUp Health

• Website: startuphealth.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: startuphealth

StartUp Health is a not-for-profit organization based in New York, focused on health innovation and supporting health entrepreneurs through its Health Moonshot Communities. Founded in 2011, it provides resources, networking, and media content to address significant health challenges. StartUp Health has been involved in several relevant transactions in the fitness and wellness sector, including JETSWEAT, a fitness platform that raised funds in 2023, and Fittle, which raised funds in 2022. Additionally, they invested in hav., which raised $400,000 in 2022, and FitTrace, which also raised funds in 2018. These investments highlight StartUp Health's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the fitness and wellness space.

6. Goodwater Capital

• Website: goodwatercap.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 41
• LinkedIn: goodwater-capital

Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital focuses on various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, with a mission to improve access to technology solutions for underserved communities. In the fitness sector, Goodwater has made notable investments such as Fit Hub Indonesia, which raised $3 million in a seed round, and Fit!, which raised $120,000 in a pre-seed round. Additionally, they invested in Mighty Health, Ucanji, and Kodda, further demonstrating their commitment to the fitness and wellness industry.

7. L Catterton

• Website: lcatterton.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 23
• LinkedIn: l-catterton

L Catterton is a private equity firm founded in 1989, specializing in investment management with a focus on consumer brands across various sectors. The firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. L Catterton has made significant investments in the fitness industry, including a notable $1.8 billion investment in Equinox Fitness in March 2024, which underscores their commitment to the sector. Additionally, they have invested in CorePower Yoga, aiming to accelerate its growth and expansion, and have played a key role in ClassPass's funding rounds, including a $285 million Series E investment in January 2020. These transactions highlight L Catterton's strategic focus on enhancing consumer experiences and driving innovation within the fitness and wellness space.

8. FJ Labs

• Website: fjlabs.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 169
• LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries. Notably, they have invested in the fitness sector, with significant transactions including OutFit Training, which raised funds in both Seed and Pre-Seed rounds in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Additionally, they supported Kickoff, a personal training platform that raised $7M in funding, connecting fitness professionals with clients. These investments highlight FJ Labs' active role in the fitness industry, making them a relevant player in this space.

9. Gaingels

• Website: gaingels.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 60
• LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm focuses on providing capital and support to startups led by underrepresented groups, fostering diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Notably, Gaingels has participated in several relevant transactions in the fitness industry, including a Series A investment in 305 Fitness in November 2019, and participation in Ergatta's funding rounds, which raised significant capital for their innovative fitness solutions. These investments highlight Gaingels' active role in the fitness sector while maintaining their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

10. North Castle Partners

• Website: northcastlepartners.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: north-castle-partners

North Castle Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in investment management and consulting services for consumer brands in the Healthy, Active, and Sustainable Living sectors. Founded in 1997, the firm partners with entrepreneurs to scale their businesses through strategic guidance and operational support. Notably, North Castle Partners has been involved in several significant transactions within the fitness industry, including the acquisition of Equinox Fitness Clubs in 2000, which aimed to fund national expansion plans. They also participated in funding rounds for Crunch Fitness and Curves, as well as a strategic investment in Barry's Bootcamp to support its growth and expansion into new markets. These investments highlight their active role in the fitness sector and their commitment to enhancing the value of the companies they invest in.

11. General Catalyst

• Website: generalcatalyst.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 144
• LinkedIn: general-catalyst-partners

General Catalyst is a venture capital firm founded in 2000, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth investments across various industries, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Catalyst has made significant investments in the fitness sector, including a $40 million Series B funding round for ClassPass, a company that offers unlimited fitness classes, and a $60 million Series B investment in Tempo, a company that develops a high-tech interactive home weight training system. These transactions highlight General Catalyst's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the fitness industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.

12. Sosv

• Website: sosv.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 170
• LinkedIn: sosv

Sosv is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. They provide venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed in various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, Sosv has invested in several companies within the fitness industry, such as WeFlex Fitness Management Consultant (Shanghai) co., ltd, which raised funds in a seed round in 2017, and Trainersvault, which has received multiple rounds of funding, including seed rounds and a convertible note. These investments highlight Sosv's engagement in the fitness sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in fitness management and training.

Fitness Centers and Gyms Insights: Key Investors in the US

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Government of Canada	Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)	10001+	1999	137
Y Combinator	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2005	802
500 Global	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2010	98
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)	Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)	51-200	2023	258
StartUp Health	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	2011	0
Goodwater Capital	Burlingame, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2014	41
L Catterton	United States (USA)	201-500	1989	23
FJ Labs	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	2015	169
Gaingels	Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)	11-50	2015	60
North Castle Partners	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	1997	0
General Catalyst	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2000	144
Sosv	United States (USA)	51-200	1995	170

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