Aecape uses AI to deliver a fully automated, customizable massage experience for personalized wellness and recovery. | Source: Aescape
Aescape Inc., which has developed massage robots using artificial intelligence, this week said it has raised $83 million in strategic funding. The startup said it plans to use its funding, which now totals $128 million, to scale operations, expand into new markets, and grow its partnerships with global brands.
“Our first six months in the market focused on launching with strategic partners and introducing fully autonomous robotic massage to consumers, driving both high utilization and repeat usage rates,” stated Eric Litman, founder and CEO of Aescape. “With fresh capital, we’re doubling down on these goals, catapulting growth for both our business and our partners as we expand into hospitality, professional sports, fitness, and mainstream markets.”
Founded in 2017, Aescape claimed that it is delivering “the world’s first fully automated, customizable massage experience for personalized wellness and recovery.” The New York-based company‘s team includes alumni from Amazon, Apple, FitBit, MakerBot, Peleton, Tonal, Uber, and MakerBot, and more.
Robotic massage uses custom end effectors, apparel
Aescape said its Aertable uses sensors and AI to map, understand, and adapt to each body’s unique contours and areas of tension. The system captures 1.2 million unique data points about the body’s muscle structure to create a personalized massage experience, according to the company.
The massage is carried out by Aerpoints, heated end effectors attached to a robotic arm that are designed to replicate the seven touch techniques of a skilled therapist. The person receiving the massage can stop or personalize the massage using Aerview.
During the massage, customers don the Aerware custom apparel. According to Aescape, the clothing helps the robot’s depth sensors better see the body.
Aescape partners with Equinox
Aescape last year launched its commercial service with Equinox, a luxury living brand, at select locations in New York City. The company said it has experienced strong demand, high engagement, and a spike in memberships.
“Aescape immediately resonated with our members, offering a private, effective, and highly personalized massage experience – on their time,” said James Gu, Sr., director of spa at Equinox. “This partnership reflects our commitment to having the most advanced recovery solutions available, and we’re excited to bring it to more locations across the country.”
Equinox is expanding the partnership to 60 locations nationwide.
Since debuting with Equinox, Aescape has announced partnerships with industry leaders in hospitality, corporate wellness, luxury real estate, and professional sports. They include select Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Marriott, and Ritz-Carlton properties throughout North America.
Investment to support scaling
Valor Equity Partners, an early investor in Tesla and SpaceX, led Aescape’s latest funding round. Existing investors, including Alumni Ventures, and NBA champion and All-Star Kevin Love, also participated in the round.
“Aescape has seen remarkable traction in just six months since launch,” said Jonathan Shulkin, partner and co-president at Valor Equity Partners. “Their AI-driven approach is unlocking new possibilities in data-informed, personalized care, driving revenue for partners while delivering precision-tailored experiences. Eric and his team are creating an entirely new category of robotics-powered wellness, and we’re delighted to continue to partner in their growth.”
To support its next phase, Aescape has added five sales leads and appointed Kimberly Miller as chief marketing officer (CMO). She brings over 20 years experience in scaling high-growth organizations, previously serving as global CMO of Native Instruments and The Economist Group.
In her new role, Miller will oversee product marketing, communications, creative, customer acquisition, and performance marketing to drive Aescape’s expansion.
The company has also appointed Eswar Priyadarshan as senior vice president of engineering. He previously held leadership roles at Apple and Adobe and successfully led m-Qube and Quattro Wireless through acquisitions by Versign and Apple, respectively.
Aescape said Priyadarshan will oversee its engineering and technical operations, driving innovation and scalability across product, design and operations.
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