Walla Software

About Walla Software

Walla Software provides an all-in-one, cloud-based studio management platform specifically designed for boutique fitness businesses such as yoga, pilates, and barre studios. Launched in 2020 and headquartered in San Diego, the company was co-founded by CEO Doug Hecht, President Laura Munkholm, and CTO Matthew Ausonio. The founding team combines extensive experience in digital marketing, software engineering, and over 15 years in fitness technology (FitTech), including involvement with Lymber, a dynamic pricing algorithm pioneer acquired by Mindbody.

The software aims to simplify studio operations, reduce administrative time, and enhance client relationships. Its business model is subscription-based (SaaS), offering a platform that integrates scheduling, payment processing, a fully integrated marketing and communications suite, and in-depth reporting. Key features include a client-facing mobile app for booking, a self-check-in function, built-in support for livestream and video-on-demand (VOD) classes, and direct Zoom integration. Walla differentiates itself by applying behavioral psychology and AI-powered intelligence to its features. For instance, its "WallaPredict" tool, developed with Amazon Web Services (AWS), proactively identifies members at risk of churning and provides actionable steps to re-engage them, aiming to improve client retention. The platform also uses AI to help generate marketing content and optimize class schedules for better fill rates and profitability.

Walla serves a market of boutique fitness studios looking to modernize their technology stack and move away from more complex or older systems. Since its launch, the company has onboarded numerous studios across the United States. Walla has secured significant funding, including an $8M Series A round in 2022 led by Industry Ventures, bringing its total funding to at least $13M, which is being used to expand its software offerings, including an email and text automation platform and an appointments solution for private sessions.