Justin Timberlake, Lizzo back rowing startup Hydrow ahead of SPAC deal

New York

RECORDING artists Justin Timberlake and Lizzo invested in Hydrow, a maker of at-home rowing machines that is discussing going public through a merger with a blank-check firm.

NFL star Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and comedian Whitney Cummings, who like Mr Timberlake and Lizzo, own Hydrow machines, are also among the company's previously undisclosed investors.

The foursome and retailer Fable-tics join actor Kevin Hart, who was named creative director of Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Hydrow last October.

"There's no better workout out there than rowing," Mr Hart said in an e-mailed statement. "I truly believe in this machine's potential to change people's lives."

Mr Hart's HartBeat Ventures has backed companies including beverage maker BrightFox, car marketplace Rodo, food-ordering startup Snackpass and social-media collaboration site Platform.

Hydrow's sales grew by 500 per cent in 2020, and it is eyeing international expansion.

The company has raised almost US$200 million in total funding from backers including private equity firm L Catterton and Rx3 Growth Partners, co-founded by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

"It is an honour to have some of the most well-regarded names in music, sports and entertainment support our crew as we strive to enhance our members' lives through the shared experience of rowing," said Bruce Smith, Hydrow's founder and chief executive officer.

The company says that its workouts engage 86 per cent of the body's major muscle groups, trumping both running and cycling.

It also provides mat workouts including yoga, pilates and strength training. BLOOMBERG