#United States #San Francisco #Running #xCREW #Paceful

xCREW Brings 'Paceful' to the United States: Transforming the Running Experience

In a remarkable move aimed at revolutionizing the running community, xCREW, a burgeoning SportsTech startup, has announced the launch of 'Paceful', an AI-driven running platform set to redefine the way runners engage with their sport. This innovative application not only targets the staggering $61 billion global running market but seeks to capture the attention of 55 million runners in the United States alone, creating a hub for community and continuous motivation.

A New Era for Running Apps

Founded in November 2020, xCREW has made significant strides in reshaping the traditional running application experience. With projections indicating that the running app market will grow at a 12% annual rate through 2032, 'Paceful' is positioned strategically to stand out in what is becoming an increasingly competitive field.

CEO Sangjun Kwak expressed the vision behind 'Paceful', stating, "This platform is built to become the global standard for running communities, connecting the daily lives and culture of runners. We want to create an environment where individuals run together, grow together, and earn rewards together."

Innovative Features of 'Paceful'

Unlike conventional apps that typically track distances and personal records, 'Paceful' takes engagement to a different level by rewarding users based on their physical activity. Employing a unique Run-to-Earn model, the platform allows runners to accumulate rewards, including items such as high-quality running shoes, sports equipment, race entries, and gift cards. This rewarding structure stands in stark contrast to other applications, focusing not merely on logs and achievements but rather on tangible incentives.

To facilitate seamless user experience, 'Paceful' welcomes existing running app users by allowing them to synchronize their workout data from various common platforms such as Apple Health and Strava. The integration of advanced AI technology enables the application to recommend running clubs and partners based on individual profiles, thus personalizing the running experience. Notably, its challenge-based reward system fosters a sense of community among users, allowing even solo runners to feel connected.

Beta Test Success

Before launching, xCREW conducted a rigorous six-month beta test of 'Paceful' across the U.S., engaging around 4,000 running clubs and 50,000 runners. The results were striking: a vast 78% of participants increased their running frequency by an impressive 9 times, with a 64% weekly active user retention rate. One participant noted, “Strava simply logs records; Paceful, on the other hand, rewards you for every run, providing an altogether different kind of motivation.”

Future Aspirations and Funding

With eyes set on future growth, xCREW has secured approximately $473,000 in seed funding from notable investors, including SparkLabs, Gimgisalab, and Kyowon Group. The strategic plan for xCREW involves not only expanding running to other activities like walking, trekking, cycling, and swimming but also entering international markets. Following their launch in the U.S., they aim to reach audiences in the UK, France, Germany, and Japan, targeting a lofty goal of 10 million global users by the year 2027.

About xCREW

xCREW is at the forefront of reimagining the running app landscape through its innovative 'Paceful' platform. By identifying the motivational hurdles that athletes face and transforming them into tangible solutions, xCREW is dedicated to helping users cultivate healthier lifestyles through consistent exercise routines and impactful motivation.

For more information about 'Paceful', visit paceful.run.