Next-gen strength training is gaining steam with investors as artificial intelligence is making dumbbells (and fitness in general) smart. Our portfolio company Kabata, an immersive workout platform, has raised $5 million in a seed round to further develop its AI-powered dumbbells, which adapt to users’ progress.
The all-in-one smart dumbbells are adjustable from 5 to 60 lbs. They can count reps, analyze form and use AI-powered coaching to adjust the weights as needed.

The dumbbells also tout gaming-inspired, patent-pending haptics, sending vibrations, pulses and rumbles to a user’s palm when a form correction is needed, a set is completed or a personal best has been achieved. A velocity-based training feature monitors rep quality so users can make progress safely and be informed when they’re fatigued and may be at risk for injury.

The seed round, led by Menlo Ventures, included participation from Courtside Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, Wildcard Ventures, MVP Ventures, AIR Ventures, Alumni Ventures and former NBA player Zaza Pachulia.

Kabata has also attracted Bradley Chubb of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins as an investor.