The Munich startup SummFit is a sports science-based fitness app with a systematic digital personal trainer. The digital trainer addresses the user individually and structures the training plan to adapt to their performance level and needs. The Munich-based startup's training program is characterized not only by the coach's high degree of customization but also by around 500 different exercises and more than 600 workouts. The varied training content is designed to motivate users long-term and thus improve fitness continuously, holistically, and sustainably. Founder Gregor answered our 7 questions.
- Who are you and what do you do? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
I am Dr. Gregor Hackfort (29) and together with my co-founder Dr. Peter Dornbusch (computer scientist, CDTM) founded Summfit GmbH and developed the SummFit app.
Sport and fitness have accompanied me throughout my life. After my time as a competitive athlete, I studied sports science with a focus on business administration at the German Sport University in Cologne. I then gained experience in management and the startup environment in business development at an e-commerce startup. My dissertation project focused, among other things, on innovative fitness tests for officers.
After believing that there was significant potential for improvement in the bodyweight and fitness app segment, especially with regard to content, I began developing concepts and plans. At the same time, I met Peter, the founder and CEO of Fireflow GmbH, who, along with his team, already has extensive experience in app development. Peter holds a doctorate in computer science from the CDTM in Munich and is extremely passionate about sports. After a few meetings, it quickly became clear that we wanted to tackle the SummFit project together.
Not always just faster, higher, further
We share the belief that most fitness apps train their users in a very one-sided way and sometimes even overwhelm them. Along with the overarching promise of rapid physical transformation, most apps have little focus on health. Constantly going faster, higher, and further doesn't work in the long run. Variety, a healthy training progression, and a holistic perspective and approach that also considers mental aspects such as motivation and compliance are essential. Efficiency and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
With our training program, we want to meet everyone where they are at the moment. Whether it's the woman who wants to slowly get back into exercise after pregnancy, or the long-time, top-fit CrossFit athlete who wants to improve even further. Our premise is "Challenging but Manageable."
Training algorithm for individual training
In addition to the wide range of exercises for different fitness and performance levels, we have developed a unique training algorithm that optimally adapts the workout to the user based on subjective and objective parameters, the user's current fitness level, past training sessions, and the availability of equipment, space, and noise. It's like a digital personal fitness trainer.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
There are actually thousands of fitness apps out there, to put it bluntly. But to my knowledge, there is no app in the whole-body training segment that
- pursues a decidedly (sports) scientifically sound approach,
- is suitable for a wide range of performance levels and for both sexes equally,
- is so varied and responds so differentiated to the user,
- Additionally, the respective daily form and equipment availability, as well as space and noise aspects are taken into account in the training plan,
- includes both timed exercises and repetition exercises and
- includes such a wide selection of workouts, challenges and exercises.
“We still have a lot to do”
I think SummFit's unique selling points lie not only in our concept and content, but also in our design and UX, which speak for a high-quality product. We're just getting started and have a lot more to do. Unfortunately, or thankfully, there won't be a fitness app where you just press start to get fitter. Ultimately, the user has to develop their own motivation and willpower to achieve improved performance and progress. But here, too, we offer support, offer tips, and try to develop the right attitude.
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
We've had to overcome many hurdles and work hard to get our app into the stores. Doing a lot of things ourselves and building the business as leanly as possible is the principle we've followed here, and we intend to continue doing so.
We focused on the product first before even considering investors. I think the biggest challenge is not letting others, new competitors on the market, or something not working right away drive us crazy.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
We can say that we have paying customers and are growing largely through organic word-of-mouth. We've already verified our business model.
5. What does Munich mean to you?
Munich is, aside from the high cost of living, the best city to start a business. Munich offers an unbeatable quality of life, while also being home to numerous small, medium, and large companies, as well as seven of the 30 DAX companies. Munich is a global economic powerhouse in Europe.
This setting has a particularly positive influence on the startup culture and inspires young entrepreneurs. Networks, private and institutional investors, universities with startup centers, potential customers, target groups, and service providers all contribute significantly to the fact that many successful companies originate from Munich.
SummFit – product-loving founders
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
Neither. We didn't start the company just to start something, but rather out of interest in the product, because we know the fitness market very well, and because our skills and expertise lie precisely in the digital and fitness sectors. We're passionate about the product and have a lot planned for SummFit. Because we're convincing users with our content, we'll continue to grow and make the people who train with us healthier, more efficient, fitter, and happier.
7. Pork knuckle or fish on a stick?
Since my home is Lake Ammersee and fish is healthier than pork knuckles, I'll definitely choose the fish on a stick.
