Jeff Morin of Liteboxer
An exclusive Tech Tribune Q&A with Jeff Morin (co-founder and CEO) of Liteboxer, which was honored in our:
Tell us the origin story of Liteboxer – what problem were you trying to solve and why?
Working out sucks. To build positive fitness habits, you need something that draws you in and keeps you coming back. Liteboxer does that through a beat-based, high-intensity workout experience that’s gamified and measurable. The business was born when my co-founder Todd Dagres starting sparring in the boxing ring with a trainer. He loved the rhythm, sweat, and intensity. He wanted a more convenient way to do it, so he bought a heavy bag at home. It was terrible experience. At that moment, he resolved to bring the drama, physicality, and emotion of the sparring experience to at-home fitness.
Todd found me when he searched for an MIT engineer with fitness experience (there are not many of us). We started prototyping, beginning with the expected sensors on a heavy bag. We quickly determined that a direct translation didn’t succeed in bringing the physical and mental experience of sparring together. After many iterations, we landed on Liteboxer. It’s a new platform built from the ground up that uses a smart shield with 6 targets, force sensors, and LED lights. Complementing the hardware are layers of motivation, including expert trainers, competition, and community. The result is a fully immersive experience in which time melts away and sweat takes the place of stress.
What was the biggest hurdle you encountered in your journey?
One big hurdle we encountered during our journey was navigating the music industry. After lots of discussions, we were able to partner with Universal Music Group in a unique way that lets our users actually pick the music they want to hear. Another hurdle was learning how to inform users about a revolutionary product that has never existed. Over time, we’ve been able to refine our messaging and the way we work with partners so potential customers can understand how we’re changing the way people think about fitness.
What does the future hold for Liteboxer?
We’re excited for the Liteboxer family to continue to grow. As our community becomes larger, our users will have more opportunities to interact and challenge one another. We are continuing to refine the content and product offering so that fitness becomes a welcomed habit instead of a chore.
What are your thoughts on the local tech startup scene in New Hampshire?
I was born and raised in NH and moved back after living some time in Boston. I love it here and my family does as well. The local tech startup scene grows stronger each year, especially with schools like UNH and SNHU having top-notch technology degree opportunities. As the pandemic opened eyes to folks working remotely, I believe more and more people will see the value of living and working in NH as well.
What’s your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
My best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is don’t be afraid to mess up. As the saying goes, perfection is the enemy of good. You’ll experience a bunch of failures along your path and they will make you stronger for the next challenge. Having the mindset of failing fast to win faster will allow you to take risks that others won’t.