Gympass, the world’s largest corporate fitness platform, acquires AI startup Flaner; launches Lisbon Technology Hub

We featured Gympass back in October when the Brazil-born fitness startup Gympass launched NYC Tech Hub with Kiril Tsemekhman following its recent $300M funding from Softbank. Today, the world’s largest corporate fitness platform, announced it has acquired Flaner, a digital memory extension platform to further its mission to defeat inactivity globally. With this acquisition, Gympass will open its third product development hub in Lisbon, Portugal.

Gympass is doubling down on it’s dedication to use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to create personalized experiences that will help users get active. The Flaner technology and product development team will be crucial to creating a more personalized and social experience for Gympass users, corporations, and Fitness Partners.

This acquisition is one of several initiatives led by Gympass to develop game-changing technology at the intersection of corporate wellness and physical activity. The new Tech Hub includes current Flaner employees and will quickly expand to a team of up to 50. Both the recently opened New York Tech Hub and the Lisbon Tech Hub will focus on leveraging AI to improve user experiences across Gympass’ three-sided marketplace.

“We are thrilled to acquire Flaner’s proven Artificial Intelligence technology and experienced product development talent. This strategic partnership will further our vision to deliver intuitive customer experiences, both globally and at scale,” says Gympass CEO and Co-Founder Cesar Carvalho. “These strides in product and technology will help Gympass users easily find activities they love, creating a happier, healthier, and more productive society.”

Gympass partners with over 2,000 clients worldwide including Citizens Bank, Santander, and University of Southern California, offering employees access to over 50,000 gyms and studios across 14 countries. Flaner’s founding team brings almost 50 years of technology experience at Google and leading Latin American technology companies UOL and B2W. The team is comprised of Machine Learning, Data Retrieval, and Artificial Intelligence experts who will bring their knowledge in building, innovating, and scaling world-class products to Gympass’ growing ecosystem.

“We are excited to join Gympass on its mission to defeat the global pandemic of physical inactivity,” says Victor Ribeiro, CEO and Founder of Flaner. “At Flaner, we have always created products that significantly improve lives. Now with Gympass’ unique offering, we can apply our expertise to positively change the lives of millions through innovative technology.”

Carvalho continues: “Flaner’s agile, high growth team will be a great complement to our existing technology teams to make corporate wellness programs and flexible fitness options a reality for everyone.”

Founded in 2012 by Cesar Carvalho, Joao Barbosa, and Vinícius Ferriani, the São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil-based Gympass is a fitness discovery platform connecting the world’s network of fitness facilities to companies and its employees. Gympass empowers companies to engage the workforce in physical activity by providing access to a network of workout facilities. With a monthly membership, companies can help employees find an activity the employees will like.The company’s goal is to multiply the number of people exercising at every company to create a healthier and more engaged workforce.