Salut’s Virtual Fitness Platform Gains $1.25M in Seed Funding
Salut, an innovative app-based service enabling fitness trainers to host virtual classes, has successfully raised $1.25 million in a recent funding round. The investment was spearheaded by Charles Hudson, a prominent investor at Precursor Ventures.
From Concept to Launch: A Pandemic-Driven Opportunity
Founded by Matthew DiPietro, a former Twitch executive, Salut initially soft-launched in mid-September 2020, with a full public rollout coinciding with the funding announcement. DiPietro conceived the idea pre-pandemic, but COVID-19 accelerated its development, prompting the team to create a no-code alpha version by May 2020. This early iteration helped validate demand from both trainers and fitness enthusiasts—a critical milestone for the two-sided marketplace.
Key Features and Growth Strategy
- Trainer-Centric Model: Salut currently takes 0% commission, passing along 100% of post-Apple revenue (or 85% of gross earnings) to trainers.
- Donation-Based Payments: Users can tip trainers, with subscription options expected in the near future.
- On-Demand Classes: A highly requested replay feature allows trainers to archive sessions, mirroring platforms like Peloton.
- Partnership with Fitness Mentors: Collaborating to launch the first Virtual Group Fitness Instructor (V-GFI) certification, elevating industry standards.
Market Potential and Challenges
With 55 trainers onboarded at launch, Salut aims to scale rapidly to attract a broader user base. The platform caters to niche trainers who may not command massive live audiences but can generate steady income through virtual classes. Early adopters have shown willingness to pay \(5–\)10 per session, signaling strong monetization potential.
Funding Allocation and Future Roadmap
The seed funding will primarily fuel engineering efforts to expand Salut’s product capabilities. DiPietro emphasized an ambitious roadmap, including enhanced tools for trainers and deeper community engagement features.
Why Salut Stands Out
- Flexibility: Supports live group classes and on-demand replays.
- Trainer Empowerment: Focuses on helping fitness professionals monetize their skills, especially amid gym closures.
- Quality Assurance: The V-GFI certification aims to improve class quality and user trust.
As the virtual fitness industry grows, Salut’s unique approach could carve out a significant niche. With $1.25 million in backing, the startup is poised to make waves—but scaling its trainer network will be the ultimate test.
