Autograph, the NFT platform co-founded by Tom Brady, is merging with Future, a digital fitness company specializing in personalized coaching. As part of the merger, Brady will join Future’s board of directors and serve as the company’s co-chair.
A Shift in Strategy for Autograph
Launched in 2021, Autograph initially aimed to connect athletes and artists with fans through NFTs, raising over $200 million and achieving a valuation of $3.1 billion, according to PitchBook. However, following the crypto market downturn and a cooling NFT market, the company pivoted its focus in late 2022. Autograph rebranded as a platform to track fan engagements and reward users, moving away from NFTs. Its board of advisers included prominent names like Naomi Osaka and Tony Hawk, with backing from Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Despite its early success, Autograph faced challenges, including layoffs that reduced its team to around 30 employees in 2023, as reported by Fast Company.
Future’s Vision for Fitness Innovation
Future, co-founded and led by CEO Rishi Mandal, connects users with digital fitness coaches to create personalized workout routines. The company has raised over $100 million and was last valued at $275 million, per PitchBook.
Mandal revealed that the merger stemmed from discussions with Brady, facilitated by Autograph co-founder Richard Rosenblatt. While initially exploring partnership opportunities, the two companies decided that merging their resources would create a stronger, unified mission.
Combining Celebrity Connections with Fitness Expertise
Although the merger is not classified as an acquisition, the combined entity will retain the name Future. Mandal shared that the partnership aims to integrate Autograph’s network of celebrity athletes with Future’s digital fitness platform. This synergy could allow users to train with elite athletes and access expert coaching.
Mandal declined to share specific product details but hinted at innovative offerings that would leverage the strengths of both companies. “We’re excited to bring together Autograph’s celebrity connections and Future’s athletic expertise to redefine how people train and engage with fitness,” he said.
A Promising New Chapter
This merger represents a strategic move for both companies, blending Autograph’s influence in the sports and entertainment space with Future’s fitness-driven mission. With Brady’s involvement as co-chair, the company is poised to explore new ways of connecting fans and users to athletic training and coaching at the highest level.
