Tech start-up Rolla, a social fitness platform that helps users track sessions and compete while training, has raised a €1.6 million Series A funding round from two investors.
Originally founded in 2019 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the fitness and health platform takes users through virtual environments in their homes using social and community features and encourages them to move those activities to the real world.
The platform consists of two apps: the mobile app Rolla One keeps track of health metrics and physical activities, while the desktop app Rolla World allows users to jog and cycle in a virtual environment.
Igor Krezić, founder and CEO of Rolla, said “Although using virtual gamified worlds to exercise is a novel approach, it is not a replacement for regular outdoor activities.
“Rolla seamlessly provides the transition between indoor and outdoor activities, and provides users with a full overview of their activities.”
IKrezić added that the Series A funding round from Hellens Rock Capital and an angel investor from Serbia, would contribute to faster development of the platform – with new and improved features for users, as well as to breaking into the competitive fitness market.
In addition to further development of the platform, with new features and functionalities such as advanced health metrics, gamification, and training plans for as many operating systems as possible, Rolla also plans to expand its team, scale the platform, and add support for users.
The team currently consists of 20 staff with experience in software development. Expectations are to double that number by the beginning of the next year.
Rolla apps are still in the beta phase of their development. Although users can apply and try the beta apps out, free of charge.
- Rolla One is available for both Android and iOS. It tracks daily fitness-related metrics and gives health insights. It can also be used as a step counter, and offer a more in-depth insight into daily activities. In addition, users can create and participate in various challenges.
- Rolla World is available for Windows, macOS, AndroidTV, Google TV, and Chromecast, and it allows its users to work out and compete in a virtual world. The company adds that ‘no additional equipment is required for virtual jogging, but for virtual cycling, users will need a bike with a smart trainer.’
