Retrofit

About Retrofit

Retrofit operates as a technology-driven weight loss and disease prevention company, primarily targeting business professionals and corporate clients. Founded in 2011 by Jeff Hyman, the Chicago-based firm was born from Hyman's personal weight gain experiences and extensive consultations with health experts. The company's business model is centered on providing personalized, data-driven programs that combine technology with human expertise.

The service offers clients a comprehensive support system that includes a registered dietitian, an exercise physiologist, and a behavior coach, accessible through digital platforms like Skype for one-on-one coaching. A key component of its methodology is the use of connected devices, such as Wi-Fi scales and Fitbit activity trackers, to wirelessly monitor a client's weight, activity, and sleep patterns. This approach allows for continuous tracking and personalized interventions. The programs are designed for busy professionals, offering a flexible alternative to traditional weight loss clinics. Retrofit also provides its services as part of corporate wellness programs for major companies.

Financially, the company demonstrated significant early growth, securing $10.7 million in capital from investors including Draper Fisher Jurvetson, J.B. Pritzker, and Larry Levy within its first two years. By the end of 2013, total venture financing raised had reached $15.7 million, with Cambia Health Solutions leading a Series B round. The company's trajectory led to its acquisition by Livongo Health in April 2018. This strategic acquisition was intended to integrate Retrofit's weight-management and disease-prevention programs, including a CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), into Livongo's broader platform for managing chronic conditions.