<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0vy11m_0wOyOpV400" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0vy11m_0wOyOpV400" width="800" height="418" ></figure>Austin-based SweatPals has closed a $3 million funding round, led by a16z SPEEDRUN and Pear VC, in a significant milestone to drive the company’s mission of fostering connections through fitness.Salar Shahini, Co-founder and CEO of SweatPals, announced the funding in a post on LinkedIn. According to Shahini, the funding round holds special meaning, not only for the capital but also for the partnerships it brings.“When we launched SweatPals 18 months ago, we drew deep inspiration from The Cold Start Problem and the incredible marketplaces we admire,” Shahini wrote. “To now be partnering with Andrew Chen, a 16z partner, growth expert, and the author who inspired us, feels like a full-circle moment.”The round was also guided by Pejman Nozad of Pear VC, whose inspiring journey as a fellow immigrant resonates with Mandi Zhou, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, and Shahini.“Pejman’s story of resilience and vision serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible with determination,” Shahini wrote.According to Shahini, this funding wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering belief of early backers, including Warren Shaeffer, who has been a steadfast advocate of SweatPals from the beginning. He also gave a special thanks to Robin Guo, who played a pivotal role in making the round happen, and to early supporters like Jared Simon, Fardad Zabetian, Prerna Sharma, and Parham A., whose initial investment of $800K was essential in setting the foundation.SweatPals was created to bridge divides and unite people of all backgrounds through the shared fitness experience. The platform’s AI-driven features allow users to connect with workout partners, discover training opportunities, and share their health journeys while fostering genuine connections. “Fitness is a space where anyone, from any background, can come together. We’re not just building this for our community; we’re building it with them,” Shahini wrote.The new funding will power SweatPals’ growth as they expand their digital platform with more innovative features, strategic partnerships, and wellness initiatives. The team is also actively hiring, with open positions for those excited to shape the future of fitness and community engagement.“Most importantly, to our incredible community: every creator, fitness entrepreneur, and member who has embraced the vision, shared it with a friend, or attended an event—you are the heartbeat of SweatPals,” Shahini wrote. “Your belief was so strong that you collectively invested $800K in the last round. We’re not just building this for you—we’re building it with you, and we’re grateful for every step of this journey together.”</div></body>

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SweatPals Raises $3M Led by a16z SPEEDRUN and Pear VC to Connect the World Through Fitness

Austin-based SweatPals has closed a $3 million funding round, led by a16z SPEEDRUN and Pear VC, in a significant milestone to drive the company’s mission of fostering connections through fitness. Salar Shahini, Co-founder and CEO of SweatPals, announced the funding in a post on LinkedIn. According to Shahini, the...