Hawks Ventures Makes First Investment Into Arena

Professional Sports Teams and Athletes in MLB, NFL and NBA and Elite Military Units Among the First Adopters of Powerful, Portable Gym Unit

Hawks Ventures today announced its first investment into ARENA Innovation Corp. (“ARENA”) (arena.fit), a fitness technology startup that develops portable robotic strength training and rehabilitation devices. The company's debut product, the ARENA Platform, is a strength training device that generates up to 200 pounds of isoinertial resistance designed to deliver the Optimal Training Dose. The ARENA Platform is currently being utilized by professional sports teams, athletes, members of the armed forces, fitness professionals and physical therapists to strength train and for muscular rehabilitation.

“Our first investment marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation,” said Hawks Ventures Senior Vice President and Managing Director David Garcia. “We believe that ARENA will drive positive change in the health of our communities by making elite level strength training more accessible to the at-home consumer.”

The ARENA Platform weighs approximately 50 pounds and is powered by a miniaturized regenerative powertrain, inspired by high performance electric vehicles. Users control the ARENA Platform via the Go ARENA app, which enables instant resistance adjustments, access to a vast movement library, daily fitness routines, and specialized programs.

ARENA employs a holistic approach to strength training by evaluating user strength as a biomarker, utilizing proprietary mobile hardware and software, and prescribing AI-driven training guidance to deliver a precise and efficient training dose to help users get from A to B, regardless of age, experience, or level of fitness.

“ARENA provides everything you need to live a strong, healthy life in the size of a suitcase,” said ARENA's CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Krisna Bhargava. “With the ARENA, you get portable hardware, powerful AI-based training, and expert-designed workouts, at home, in the training room, and even on the go.”

Hawks Ventures joins an esteemed group of sports and human performance technology investors in the round, including Elysian Park Ventures (EPV), Courtside Ventures, WISE Ventures, Club Sports Group and Powerhouse Capital. ARENA was the award recipient of the 2023 Women's Health “Best Smart Resistance Machine.”

“Elysian Park Ventures is focused on investing in next-gen companies on the cutting edge of sports, health, and technology,” said EPV's Managing Partner Pete Vlastelica. “We are excited to lead an investment in ARENA. The company is building truly innovative technologies that will enhance human performance not just for professional and tactical athletes but everyday consumers as well. The scalability of the product and the team behind it are unique in the marketplace.”

Launched earlier this year, Hawks Ventures is committed to providing capital to minority-led/underrepresented startups over the next five years and finding strategic investments that can benefit the Hawks and/or State Farm Arena businesses. Hawks Ventures will invest $50 million in early-stage startups and businesses, combining two primary focus areas: minority- and women-led/underrepresented businesses and customer-obsessed businesses with the potential to impact or transform the way a product or service is experienced.

Visit arena.fit for more information on ARENA and the various purchase options available.