An interesting startup we met at the Web Summit in Dublin was Yoogaia, all the way from Finland. Yoogaia, the first live, interactive online yoga studio is now global. Since its launch earlier this year Yoogaia has already attracted thousands of users, making it one of the fastest-growing online consumer services in Finland. Now Yoogaia has grown globally and expanded its operations to London and Hong Kong.
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The idea of the unique concept was born a couple of years ago when Yoogaia founder Mikko, father of 3 boys and yoga enthusiastic, tried to fit yoga training into his own busy life. No matter how hard he tried, the hassle of getting to the studio in the morning rush brought as much stress as it took away. “When wrestling with this paradox, a thought of yoga sessions coming to to me instead of me going there came into my head and had to be explored” Says Mikko Petäjä, now CEO of Yoogaia.
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Today Yoogaia offers a totally unique way to exercise in the convenience of one’s own home, having a professional teacher instructing via webcam on an individual basis. Participation is a fraction of gym membership cost and there is no need to pre-book a class. Busy people’s everyday wellbeing has become easier and more pleasurable with the aid of Yoogaia.
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Yoogaia operates in Helsinki, London and Hong Kong with country manager led local teams. Yoogaia offers yoga, pilates, kettle bell, core and stretching classes to people literally all over the world. The Scandinavian studio in Finland, Asian in Hong Kong and urban European studio in London all have a unique, local look and feel. Yoogaia brand experience together with a strong sense of the local culture will give consumers global brand experience and a wide assortment of classes – all available in one’s own home.
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The first angel investments, success in crowdfunding campaign with FundedByMe and partnership with Inventure enables the global launch. Yoogaia will aim to grow, develop and take full potential of being one of the first movers in the health and wellbeing market. All this with a passion and a genuine urge to offer wellbeing for all.
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About Yoogaia
Yoogaia is the first live, interactive online yoga studio in the world. With Yoogaia, the studio is where you are, allowing you to exercise in the convenience of your home with professional teacher instructing you personally via webcam. In addition to yoga, Yoogaia currently offers pilates, kettle bell, core and stretching classes. Yoogaia classes are available as live sessions and recordings for all users.