Quell

UK-based Quell produces game-based virtual home workouts and lightweight hardware. The company sells a lightweight gauntlet controller that includes a free version of the “Quell” virtual game. A “Quell+” that features continually updated new workouts, and video game elements is available as a paid monthly subscription . As of December 2020, Quell is working on creating a competitive multiplayer version of the game.

The “Full Quell System”, priced at USD 299 onwards (with an introductory pre-order price of USD 219), includes the gauntlet, the basic Quell game, and three-months of access to the Quell+ enhanced game. The company positions itself as a low-cost alternative to the connected bikes and treadmills manufacturer Peloton.

In December 2020, the company raised USD 3 million in a seed funding round led by Khosla Ventures and Heartcore Capital. The funding is expected to be used to help launch and ship its product by the end of 2021.

Key competitors: None comparable (Quell is the only startup in our coverage that offers a gauntlet controller for game-based virtual home workouts).