Retrofit In The News

Retrofit Takes $8M for its Data-Driven Approach to Weight Loss 11/13/12 - Retrofit takes an issue people have struggled with for generations and makes it high-tech. The company provides a "high-tech, high-touch" weight loss program that uses wireless tracking devices and web conferencing with health professionals to provide clients with personalized weight loss regimen. The service lasts for a year and takes a data-driven approach to shedding those extra pounds. Draper Fisher Jurveston invested $6 million, with the rest of the capital coming from Correlation Ventures and Hyde Park Angels. Existing investors New World Ventures and I2A Fund also contributed. Retrofit is based in Chicago. Read The Story

Chicago's Retrofit Raises $8M Series A 11/13/12 - This week Chicago fitness startup Retrofit announced that it has raised a series A round of $8 million. The latest round, led by Silicon Valley-based VC firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson, brings the company's fundraising total to just over $10 million. Retrofit's workout service utilizes a wireless activity tracker that keeps tabs on the user's daily activity and sleep patterns throughout the night, paired with a Wi-fi-connected body composition scale that both transmit health information directly to the startup's website … Read The Story

Which Founders Use FoundersCard? Craig Newmark, Kevin Rose, Leah Busque & 8K Others 9/17/12 - Eric Kuhn created FoundersCard…as a way to give entrepreneurs the same kind of elite programs and networking opportunities traditionally reserved for execs of Fortune 500 companies….So, while some may bristle a little bit at becoming part of an exclusive entrepreneurial community, considering the benefits include stuff that's actually relevant to the startup lifestyle (at least for those who travel), it makes sense. Along with the perks mentioned above, the membership includes discounts on Virgin America/Atlantic, Lufthansa, Cathay, Apple, UPS, ZipCar, Gilt City, TaskRabbit, Retrofit, a number of hotels and now Dropbox and MailChimp … Read The Story

Indulge In This: Technology to Help You Lose Weight 9/14/12 - There's a ballooning segment of the population turning to social media, digital gadgets and a smorgasbord of apps for weight loss. But, does all the score keeping, calorie counting, meal tracking, challenges and rewards, digital monitoring and mentoring deserve a seat at the table when it comes to serious strategies for weight loss? Company founder and CEO Jeff Hyman acknowledges the tremendous breakthrough in digital tools. "We use all of the above in a unique way to drive sustainable results," he says. "Our goal is to turn data into useful information." … Read The Story

100 Ways to Get Fit & Stay Healthy With Tech (It’s Easy) 9/11/12 - We've rounded up the best websites, gadgets, apps, startups and services–this time with the goal of keeping you in top form. As we all know, getting motivated to exercise is half the battle. That's why we've included and entire section on ways to get motivated with the help of analytics, friends and incentives…#18 Retrofit Expert-led, data-driven weight loss program. Works with iPad … Read The Story

Can Technology Help You Develop Good Habits? These Startups Say 'Yes' 6/29/12 - With the advent of quantified self technology, weightloss programs like Retrofit are becoming increasingly data-driven. A registered dietician, behavior coach, and exercise physiologist connect to the user in private weekly video conferences to form a triad of advice and support. … Read The Story

Local Angels Back Technology Weight Loss Program Retrofit 3/15/12 - A number of local angels have backed a technology-driven, weight loss program operator called RETROFIT. According to RETROFIT, it raised $2M in a financing round, which came from I2A Fund, New World Ventures, and FireStarter Fund, as well as angels. Those angels included Renee LaBran, a partner at local investor Rustic Canyon / Fontis Partners, and Howard Lindzon, the founder of San Diego-based StockTwits … Read The Story

How To Recruit A-Players – with Jeff Hyman 3/1/12 - How do you recruit A-Players who already have success in their DNA? Jeff Hyman was named The Matchmaker by Inc. Magazine. … He ran four recruiting companies and built one of the first online recruiting web sites. So you know he’s the right guy to turn to if you’re learning how to hire A-Players. His latest startup is Retrofit, which helps people lose at least 10% of their bodyweight and keep it off for over a year … Read The Story