pace club Raises €5M to Redefine the “Zombie Gym”
The fitness industry has a dirty little secret: most big gym chains actually rely on you not showing up. They call them "zombie memberships". People who pay every month but never step foot on the gym floor.
pace club is here to put an end to that.
We are thrilled to announce that our portfolio company, pace club, has successfully closed a €5 million financing round led by Vorwerk Ventures.
Radical Efficiency for Real Athletes
By ditching the "zombie membership" model where traditional gyms profit from people who never show up, pace club uses a data-driven approach called Radical Efficiency. Instead of massive, half-empty warehouses, they use compact 400–800sqm studios in prime locations like Munich and London.
This works through:
- Yield Management: Using an app-based booking system to ensure the gym is never overcrowded while maximizing equipment use.
- High Revenue per Square Meter: Eliminating "fluff" space to focus entirely on high-performance equipment for hybrid athletes.
- Digital Operations: A proprietary software platform that manages everything from booking to studio operations with a slim, efficient staff structure.
- Scalable Success: Standardized studio layouts that reach profitability shortly after launch, allowing for a rapid rollout across Europe.
Early Backers from Day One
We’ve been believers in Benedikt Ess, Dominik Clemm, and their vision from the very start. SIROC was proud to be one of the first investors during their 2024 angel round, and we’ve remained close partners ever since. Beyond the capital, we’ve acted as advisors for their technology and digital strategy.
What’s Next?
With this new €5M injection, the team isn't slowing down. The goal for 2026 is clear: opening 6 to 7 new locations across the EMEA region and continuing to push the boundaries of what an urban training experience should look like.
We’re excited to keep supporting pace club as they redefine the standard for hybrid sports.