Weekly Round-Up: Google’s Quantum Leap, Crunch Fitness’ $1.5B Deal, and Swiss Robotics Firm Anybotics Secures $60M for U.S. Expansion
003: Week of Dec 15, 2024 – Quantum Leaps, Fitness Empires, and Robotic Frontiers
Welcome back to this week’s curated exploration of the most intriguing developments in tech and business. These stories aren’t just headlines—they’re glimpses into the future of innovation, wellness, and digital transformation. I’m excited to share my top picks and highlights, designed to inform and inspire you. Let’s dive in!
Quantum Breakthroughs
1. Google’s Quantum Leap with ‘Willow’ Chip
Google has unveiled “Willow,” a quantum chip that pushes the limits of computation by tackling the error correction challenges that have long hindered the field. These advancements set the stage for solving previously impossible problems in areas like AI, drug discovery, and sustainable energy solutions.
While the specifics are still unfolding, this development signals a seismic shift in how we'll process complex information in the future. For those of us in tech and real estate, this could mean revolutionary changes in data analysis, predictive modeling, and problem-solving capabilities. Its ripple effects could redefine wellness, accelerate personalized health solutions, and transform how we operate and manage (real estate) businesses.
Fitness Deals
2. TPG Explores $1.5 Billion Sale of Crunch Fitness
TPG is reportedly working with investment firm Jefferies to explore a $1.5 billion sale of Crunch Fitness. This move could further cement Crunch Fitness’ position as a leading player in the high-value, low-price (HVLP) gym market, unlocking resources to expand its footprint and enhance its offerings.
With consumer demand for accessible fitness options on the rise, this sale could mark a pivotal moment for both the brand and the broader industry. Crunch Fitness had an impressive 2024, averaging more than one new club opening per week, and plans to surpass this growth rate in 2025. According to sources, the sale is expected to take place in the first half of 2025.
3. Growl Connected Fitness Secures $4.75M Seed Round
Connected Fitness continues to thrive as Growl secures funding to support its mission of making wellness more accessible through gamified, engaging experiences. Dubbed the “Peloton of Boxing,” Growl aims to revolutionize the traditional punching bag, bringing the boxing gym experience into your living room. With its tech-first approach, Growl is shaping the next generation of fitness platforms, combining innovation and accessibility.
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane praised the platform, stating:
“GROWL has succeeded in blending both cardio and strength training in a way that no one else has been able to accomplish. While Peloton has set the standard for engaging and challenging cardio workouts, and Tonal offers robust strength training, GROWL stands out by combining both into an intense, fun and engaging workout experience that feels remarkably immersive and realistic.”
PropTech and the AI Industrial Revolution
4. Crusoe Secures $600M to Power AI and Carbon Neutrality
Crusoe Energy has raised $600M in a Series D round to advance its mission of utilizing stranded energy to power AI and reduce emissions. By transforming waste energy into productive computational power, Crusoe is scaling its efforts to drive sustainable innovation and reduce the environmental impact of energy-intensive industries.
The investment was led by Founders Fund, with participation from new and existing investors, including Fidelity, Long Journey Ventures, Mubadala, NVIDIA, Ribbit Capital, and Valor Equity Partners.
“The biggest risk with AI is that we don't go big enough. Crusoe is here to liberate us from the island of limited ambition,” said Peter Thiel, Partner at Founders Fund.
The Future of Healthcare
5. Sollis Health Raises $33M for High-Touch, Personalized Healthcare
Sollis Health secured $33 million in Series B funding to expand its concierge healthcare services. Offering 24/7 access to premium, membership-based care, Sollis is addressing the growing demand for personalized, high-touch medical solutions.
This funding will enable Sollis to scale its operations and drive innovation in healthcare delivery, proving that wellness-focused, patient-first systems are not just the future—they’re the now.
6. Cleerly Raises $106M for AI-Driven Heart Health Detection
Cleerly’s latest funding round is set to propel its mission of making early detection of heart disease a cornerstone of modern healthcare through Artificial Intelligence. By identifying risks before symptoms appear, Cleerly demonstrates how tech-driven diagnostics can revolutionize proactive health management.
“The majority of people who will die of heart disease and heart attacks will never have any symptoms,” said cardiologist James Min, who founded Cleerly in 2017. “At some point, we need to start screening the world for heart disease.”
Cleerly’s approach reinforces the critical importance of preventative care. Its AI-driven analysis of CT scan images not only detects heart disease earlier but is also less taxing on the body than traditional stress tests or angiograms. And with health insurers and Medicare stepping up to cover the test, it’s clear that Cleerly is making waves in the push for accessible, preventive heart health solutions.
Quick Hits: Headlines You Need to Know
• Premier Recycle partners with Google on sustainable building project
• Vooma raises over $16 million in Seed and Series A funding
• Next Sense secures €11.5M to scale AI-driven innovation
• Sound Investment: Aisti secures €29M for green acoustic tiles
• Anybotics raises $60M to scale autonomous industrial robots
• Align invests in cleaner environment with key acquisition
• Terradot launches with $58.2M to scale CO2 removal
• Antag Therapeutics secures funding for obesity drug trials
What this means for you…
These stories aren't just headlines—they're signals of massive technological and business transformations. Whether you're a real estate professional looking to stay ahead of the curve or a tech enthusiast tracking the next big thing, these developments matter.
Stay curious, stay informed, and, most importantly, stay ready for the next wave of innovation.
Catch you next week with more groundbreaking insights!
Quote of the Day
“Thinking small is a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
- Jeff Bezos