The startup Pace Club, founded in 2025, is advancing its growth plans. Founders Benedikt Ess and Dominik Clemm have secured five million euros in fresh capital. Vorwerk Ventures is leading the funding round. Following a successful launch of first studios in Munich and London, the company is now clearly focusing on expansion and scaling.
Pace Club relies on a so-called boutique gym concept that combines training, technology and community. The startup consistently optimizes its space utilization and manages studio capacity based on data. At the same time, the offering is specifically tailored to performance-oriented (hobby) athletes. The team clearly defines the goal: ambitious recreational athletes develop into visible athletes.
“Fitness is evolving, moving away from pure access toward performance, community and genuine progression. Pace Club hits exactly this zeitgeist and builds the infrastructure for a new generation of (hobby) athletes. We’re excited to support a team that consistently executes this vision”,
says Peter Schmetz, Principal at Vorwerk Ventures.
Expansion and technology in focus
With the fresh capital, Pace Club is primarily focusing on international expansion. The team is planning new locations in the EMEA region and simultaneously investing in its own software platform. This already manages central processes in studio operations and is set to scale further in the future.
“With Vorwerk Ventures, we’ve found the perfect partner to roll out our structure. Our goal for 2026 is clear: we will open six to seven additional studios that will redefine the standard for urban training”,
explains Dominik Clemm, Managing Director of Pace Club.
“Alongside our new partners, experienced entrepreneur Benjamin Burkhardt remains at our side, and with his expertise and network will play a key role in developing Pace Club into number one in hybrid sports”,
adds Benedikt Ess, also Managing Director of Pace Club.
