Autograph, the company co-founded by Tom Brady, is merging with Future, a digital fitness platform. Brady will join Future’s board of directors and serve as co-chair, marking a significant shift in the trajectory of both companies.
Brady co-founded Autograph in 2021, originally positioning it as a marketplace for NFTs connecting athletes and artists with fans. The company raised over $200 million, achieving a valuation of $3.1 billion, according to PitchBook. However, after the cryptocurrency market downturn cooled interest in NFTs, Autograph pivoted in late 2023, shifting its focus to tracking fan engagements and offering rewards. Autograph’s board of advisors included notable figures like Naomi Osaka and Tony Hawk and was supported by Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Future, on the other hand, specializes in connecting users with digital fitness coaches and creating personalized fitness routines. The platform has raised over $100 million and was last valued at $275 million, as reported by PitchBook.
The merger, announced by Future CEO Rishi Mandal on LinkedIn, emerged from discussions between Mandal, Brady, and Autograph co-founder Richard Rosenblatt. While termed a merger, not an acquisition, the combined company will continue to operate under the Future brand. Mandal told TechCrunch that the partnership aims to blend Autograph’s celebrity connections with Future’s fitness expertise, potentially allowing users to train with top athletes and access expert coaching. Though details about new products remain under wraps, Mandal highlighted the shared mission of both companies as a driving force behind the decision.
Autograph has faced challenges in recent years, including layoffs that reduced its team to 30 employees during the 2023 crypto market slump. Meanwhile, Future has maintained a focus on fitness innovation, which could now benefit from Autograph’s pivot and network of high-profile connections.
By merging, the companies hope to capitalize on their complementary strengths to deliver a unique experience at the intersection of sports, celebrity culture, and fitness technology.
Featured image courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter
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