Cofounder & CEO at SweatPals
Salar Shahini
2x Founder, sold my last company in 2022 I grew up in Iran and fell in love with entrepreneurship at age 13, when I made pinback buttons featuring Persian cartoon characters and sold them at school. I saved up, move to the U.S., and earned my Master’s in engineering in Boston. Along the way, I created a deep tech solution now used by 500+ municipalities across US and Canada. I’ve also lived in Istanbul and frequently relocated, which taught me firsthand the power of finding welcoming communities in each new place. Fitness was always the only way I was able to find belonging. It truly transcends language and culture.
Questions & Answers
What problem or opportunity inspired you to start your company, and how has your vision evolved since then?
Initially, SweatPals was created to solve the isolation and loneliness I personally experienced when moving to new cities. I recognized the unique power of fitness communities to foster friendships and a sense of belonging. Over time, our vision expanded: We saw an opportunity not only to connect individuals but also to empower hosts—solopreneurs passionate about fitness and wellness—to effortlessly build, grow, and monetize their communities. Today, SweatPals offers comprehensive tools such as ticketing, group chats, and waivers, transforming passionate individuals into successful community leaders and entrepreneurs.
How is your team uniquely positioned to solve the problem you're tackling?
Our founding team’s deep personal connection to finding belonging through fitness communities drives our mission at SweatPals. Our Head of Product helped launch and scale PandaDoc from inception to IPO; our Head of Growth was a founding team member at Sofar Sounds, known for its grassroots community experiences; and our lead designer brings a wealth of user-centric expertise from Airbnb and HotelTonight. This rare blend of personal passion, proven startup expertise, and community-building know-how positions us uniquely to succeed in solving this problem.
