The software company leverages artificial intelligence tools to help boutique fitness owners achieve profitability rather than just “track operations,” its CEO says
The fitness industry’s AI revolution just got another boost, as software company Walla secured a $5 million strategic investment to expand its platform that offers profitability solutions for boutique fitness studios.
The investment was led by Social Leverage and Ankona Capital, earmarked to drive development of Walla’s artificial intelligence-powered software. The new capital comes soon after the provider launched WallaPredict, a new AI tool to support studios’ retention tactics.
“Studio software shouldn’t just track operations; it should actively transform them into profit,” said Walla CEO and co-founder Doug Hecht.
“This $5 million investment is a powerful vote of confidence in our north star: that 95% of studios using Walla will be profitable within two years,” Hecht added. “That’s not a hope; it’s our commitment.”
Walla is aiming to create an entirely new category of software among studio management platforms: an AI-powered, growth-focused operating system. The software analyzes studio performance against goals and benchmarks, then follows up with informed and actionable guidance to improve the bottom line for studios and emerging franchises.
“Walla is uniquely positioned to leverage AI where it matters most—not just automating tasks, but actively driving revenue and retention,” said Social Leverage managing partner Gary Benitt. “This investment is specifically designed to scale Walla’s AI capabilities and expand its performance intelligence platform.
“Walla is simply not a management tool; it’s a performance engine,” added Hecht. “We empower owners to stop working harder, start performing smarter, and secure a clearer path for profit to follow.”
The new investment follows a combined $13 million in seed and Series A funding that Walla previously raised.
