Navigating the First Fundraising Round: Lessons from LowRetreat’s Journey

For every startup, especially in the AI space, securing that first round of venture capital is both exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s a process filled with anticipation, but also a lot of preparation, perseverance, and learning. For LowRetreat, a pioneering AI platform in the fitness and rehabilitation space, their first fundraising journey was about more than just raising capital. It was about finding the right partners who understood their mission and believed in their vision for a healthier future.

As working at CatalyxVC, we’re proud to have been part of LowRetreat’s journey as they navigated the complexities of fundraising while staying true to their commitment to responsible AI. Here’s what they learned along the way and the key lessons that can help other founders as they approach their own fundraising rounds.

The Beginning: Finding Clarity in the Mission

Every startup begins with an idea, but LowRetreat’s founders knew from the start that their mission was crystal clear: they wanted to use AI to help people move better and recover faster through an innovative platform that merges AI-powered motion tracking with personalized rehabilitation programs. Their technology allows users, from everyday fitness enthusiasts to physical therapists, to track movement in real-time, delivering precise insights on form and technique to prevent injuries and improve overall well-being.

What’s particularly striking about LowRetreat’s story is their deep conviction that technology should enhance the human experience, not replace it. Their goal wasn’t to automate fitness, but to provide tools that empower people, both trainers and individuals, to achieve their fitness goals in a way that feels natural and supportive.

For founder Ethan Hardaway, this clarity was essential when preparing to approach VCs. “We knew what we wanted to achieve, and we wanted investors who could see the bigger picture, not just the tech itself. AI was simply the tool to make human movement smarter and better.”

Lesson 1: Build Meaningful Relationships Early

If there’s one piece of advice that LowRetreat would give to first-time founders, it’s this: start building relationships with investors long before you need to raise funds. They spent months reaching out to potential investors, attending AI and fitness-focused conferences, and connecting through their professional networks. By doing this, they were able to build rapport with investors and receive valuable feedback on their product and business model well before their fundraising efforts officially kicked off.

When they finally started fundraising, those early conversations turned into productive meetings, and investors were already familiar with their journey. “It’s like nurturing any relationship,” says Oskar Thompson. “The more familiar someone is with your story and your progress, the more invested they’ll be when it’s time to talk capital.”

From our side at CatalyxVC, we often encourage startups to engage with us early. These conversations aren’t just about securing investment—they’re about establishing a foundation of trust and understanding. The earlier VCs get to know your vision, the more likely they are to support it when the time comes.

Lesson 2: Craft a Story, Not Just a Pitch

When LowRetreat prepared to pitch to investors, they knew it wasn’t enough to just show off their technology. Investors needed to hear why their product mattered, and what impact it would have on the world of fitness and rehabilitation. Their pitch didn’t simply explain AI motion tracking, it painted a compelling picture of how this technology could empower fitness professionals to offer more effective guidance, and help people recover from injuries with the confidence of expert-level feedback.

The narrative they built focused on the problem they were solving, rather than just the technology they were using. And this was key. “We’re not just selling software; we’re giving people a tool that improves lives, from the elite athlete to someone recovering from a serious injury,” says Ethan Hardaway. “We wanted investors to feel that human connection.”

At CatalyxVC, this focus on real-world impact is exactly what caught our attention. Startups that focus on how their technology will change lives and improve industries tend to resonate the most with us. It’s the combination of innovative tech with a clear value proposition that makes a pitch stand out.

Lesson 3: Align with the Right Investors, Not Just the First One

When it came time to close their first round of capital, LowRetreat had multiple offers on the table. But they didn’t rush to accept the first one. They took the time to ensure that the VCs they partnered with shared their core values, particularly around responsible AI and the long-term vision of their product.

Their decision to partner with CatalyxVC was rooted in more than just financial support. They wanted to work with a team that would help them scale responsibly, with a focus on building technology that promotes well-being without compromising on ethics. For LowRetreat, the journey was always about more than just growth, it was about ensuring their technology served the needs of real people in a sustainable and ethical way.

“Choosing the right partner was critical for us,” says Ethan Hardaway. “CatalyxVC understood that we weren’t just another AI startup, they saw our bigger vision and wanted to help us grow in a way that aligns with our mission.”

Lesson 4: Be Prepared for Tough Questions

One of the biggest surprises for LowRetreat during their fundraising journey was the intensity of the due diligence process. Investors dove deep into their technology stack, wanting to understand how their AI models worked, how scalable the platform was, and how they handled data privacy.

LowRetreat had anticipated questions about growth potential and market fit, but they hadn’t expected the level of scrutiny on the technical details. “It was a great learning experience for us,” says Oskar Thompson. “We realized that when you’re working in AI, investors will really want to know how your models are built, how they’ll evolve, and how you’re mitigating risks like bias and data misuse.”

What’s Next for LowRetreat?

With their first round of capital secured, LowRetreat is now laser-focused on expanding their platform and entering new markets. They’re continuing to develop more advanced AI-driven features, ensuring that users—whether they’re athletes, physical therapists, or everyday fitness enthusiasts, get the most out of their movement and recovery journeys.

As they scale, they’re grateful for the support of a VC partner who sees the value in responsible AI and understands the long-term potential of their platform. For LowRetreat, the journey is just beginning, but they’ve built a strong foundation with the right partners by their side.

Final Thoughts: Lessons from LowRetreat’s First Fundraising Round

For any startup founder, especially those working in AI, the first fundraising round can feel like an uphill battle. But as LowRetreat’s story shows, success comes from having a clear mission, building relationships early, crafting a compelling story, and aligning with partners who share your vision.

At CatalyxVC, we’re proud to have supported LowRetreat on their journey, and we look forward to helping more startups achieve their goals by combining AI innovation with ethical development.