Lizcore, a sports tracking startup from Barcelona, caught our eye on the 4YFN show floor at MWC this week. This climber had accomplished something he – frankly – didn't think was possible. Figure out how to digitize and upgrade the indoor climbing experience for bouldering addicts.
What a bouldering gym that combines unique hardware and software can offer Climber offers a low-friction way to record and track your climbing performance indoors (record on-site, red points, problem processing speed, etc.) while also providing social gamification (compare your stats to your friends' stats) functions, etc.). — There's no need to wear or carry anything as daunting as a thin cloth bracelet or clothespin.
“All sports are moving from analog to digital. Mountaineering was an exception in that sense,” says CTO Marçal Juan. “The main problem is that you can't write an app with the expectation that climbers will use it. That's why you need the hardware, and that's why you can be successful.”
To take advantage of Lizcore's progress tracking system, climbers don't need to climb with a cell phone or wear something bulky like a smartwatch (such wearables can get in the way). Only, there is a risk of scratches and stains on the chalky gym)). All you need is a lightweight NFC wearable (also known as a Lizy bracelet). This minimalist band comes in a variety of stylish colors and is the only hardware you need to pair it with your startup's app.
The team is also working on designing an even less intrusive NFC wash pin to provide a second, climber-friendly alternative to convincing rocks that the technology is less burdensome.
Lizcore's system requires gyms to buy-in and install smart base units and top-out holds for each boulder problem. One base unit can be shared by up to three routes. Climbers use NFC wearables to identify themselves at the base unit. The user then attempts that route, and if they can't reach the top hold, they fail, and if they do, the time to submit and top out is recorded.
Track activity and progress with minimal effort, allowing climbers to focus on what they do best: train, climb, submit, and repeat. Naturally, the idea for this business came from founder and CEO Edgar Casanovas, a former professional mountaineer.
The wall-mounted Lizcore base unit has a screen that can display slope information for each route. (When we visited the stand, we were told there was an issue with her Wi-Fi at the conference, so the screen wasn't on.) A button on the unit allows climbers to agree to the grade or not. You can also vote for it. after the fact. This unit also provides the ability to vote for routes that are kept longer (rather than being reset with new issues, as bouldering gyms routinely do).
Rizcor says its NFC system will also work for entry/exit ticketing if gyms don't already have the system in place, as well as to provide access to fitness classes offered by gyms. It is said that there is a possibility. Another possible use is security. Restrict entry to certain sections of the gym (for example, prevent children from using certain facilities). And since it's NFC, this lightweight device could potentially support payments at places like cafes and bars that gyms typically operate. So climbers can also use minimalist wearables and forget about having to bring their own wallet to the gym.
Lizcore CTO Marçal Juan shows off the Lizy band (Image credit: Natasha Lomas/TechCrunch)
“The possibilities are endless,” says Huang. “What you can expect is [gyms which] I would like to purchase this device and fully optimize its usage. So if you're selling another service, it's very easy to say, “Okay, I'm interested.” The selling point is that it has all the necessary hardware for mountain climbing. It also has many services available, including CRM, subscriptions, etc., so you can use it for everything. ”
This two-sided system is designed to provide gyms with more data insights as well, providing a more detailed overview of analytics and climbing activity than simply tracking gym patrons' entrances and exits through entry and exit gates. to these companies. . Rizcore said the system will provide gyms with data on quiet and busy times for different climbing areas and walls. Alternatively, you can balance the different challenges offered by checking how a particular route performs (too easy, too difficult, etc.).
It also provides a way for gyms to run contests for their users. For example, Huang says you could also offer prizes for the first or fastest ascent of a new boulder problem. Or use tracked routes to see if a climber successfully tops out in his open bouldering competition.
Having this app on climbers' phones opens up a mobile channel for gyms to easily reach their core users, including receiving notifications about offers and promotions. But it's also about providing more value to our members. For example, provide information about new routes as soon as they are configured, or provide detailed information for each route.
Gyms often rely on posting these types of “new route” PSAs on Instagram, but through Lizcore they can target members with notifications when a route is set and send them in advance in the app. You can provide the ability to check route settings. Read the questions and visit to better plan and prepare your trip to the gym.
More information may also be provided by the route setter, such as whether a particular route requires a lot of finger strength, power, or dynamic technique.
Typically, the only information a climber has at a bouldering gym is something more basic: route grade (or often just route range). In addition to that, route grades can vary depending on individual climber morphology (e.g. small vs. tall), so Lizcore's route tracking and voting system is a way to provide more individualized route grades for climbers. may also be provided. (Speaking as a short climber, that would be a data-driven leap!)
Founded in November 2022, the startup is so far working with several gyms (5 in Spain) on the initial implementation of the system. Huang said the company is currently looking to raise a seed round to move into production mode, but is initially focused on scaling in Spain and Europe.
According to him, the company is also discussing the use of the system with mountaineering competition organizations.
Additionally, the team is working on developing safety technology for climbing gyms. For example, a smart autobelay system that cannot be clipped onto a carabiner unless you have the necessary qualifications to use the equipment. 