London, September 2024: Reform RX, the pioneer of digitally connected Pilates reformers, has secured $5.1M (£3.8M) in funding, led by Clarendon Fund Managers – the equity fund manager for the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland. The investment will fuel the company’s global expansion and drive further development of their already patented technology to further enhance Pilates personalisation and mind-body connection, for a more holistic user experience.
Founded by functional movement specialist and Pilates expert Yvette McGaffin and Neal McGaffin in 2018, Reform RX has grown exponentially since then. The company generated $1M in revenue within two weeks of launch and sold out its initial product line in the first quarter of 2023.
“With Neal and Yvette at the helm, Reform RX is an ambitious company that shares our vision for the future. It will be the must-have piece of equipment for every Reformer Pilates enthusiast and studio. The deal is the largest initial investment we have ever completed in a single NI company here at Clarendon, which is a reflection of the confidence we have in the team at Reform RX. I can’t wait to see how their journey develops from here.“
Clarendon Fund Managers Investment Manager, Claudine Owens
The company’s flagship product, the Reform RX, marks the first innovation of Reformers in 50 years. The machine combines traditional Pilates principles with advanced technology; it tracks user movement to the thousandth of a second, showing real-time biometric data, delivering an unparalleled workout experience.
“This significant investment will allow us to accelerate our global expansion and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Pilates. “At Reform RX, our mission is to transform the way people work out, guiding them beyond physical fitness to a deeper mind-body connection with themselves. By integrating mindful movement and mental clarity, we empower individuals to master the essential skill of emptying the mind, fostering resilience and calm amidst the noise of modern life. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about creating a sanctuary within where body and mind thrive together. Through partnering with Clarendon Fund Managers and completing the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland deal, we are taking the next step in our company’s growth.”
says Yvette McGaffin, CEO and co-founder of Reform RX
Reform RX’s model is the world’s first connected reformer, enabling users to participate in streamed on-demand classes, connect to wearables, and receive meaningful workout metrics. Designed for versatility, it seamlessly integrates into various locations, including boutique studios, gyms, hotels, corporate venues, and direct-to-consumer settings. With the guidance of industry experts like Sam Bowen, formerly of Peloton, and Frank van de Ven, ex-Life Fitness, the team is redefining how Pilates is experienced across the globe by merging British design and craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The allure of the reformers extends to the entertainment industry, with many high-profile individuals choosing Reform RX to enhance their wellness routines.
“As the designer and an investor, I am thrilled to continue supporting Reform RX and its revolutionary vision for Pilates technology. This groundbreaking technology is transforming how people experience Pilates, providing impact and accessibility. It’s an incredible opportunity to contribute to a project that is reshaping the future of fitness.”
Reform RX lead designer and investor, Austin Owens:
Producer of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, has been trained by Yvette McGaffin for years. Now an investor of Reform RX, “I’m thrilled to continue investing in Reform RX and to be part of this incredible journey. Pilates has always been a passion of mine, and it has been a privilege to train personally with Yvette for years. Seeing the growth of Reform RX and knowing how many others are benefiting from Yvette and her team’s expertise is truly inspiring.”
Bernadette Caulfield
About Reform RX
Reform RX is a connected fitness Pilates equipment company, founded by Yvette and Neal McGaffin in 2018. After running a successful reformer Pilates boutique studio business in locations across the UK, together they set out on a mission to reinvent and reimagine how the world views reformer Pilates and revolutionise the existing offering.
Partnering with Grove Design, based in the English countryside of Hertfordshire, they brought their design brief – a Pilates reformer that looked like a concept Formula One car combined with enhanced functionality – to reality, with the creation of the RX reformer.
Reform RX headquarters is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, along with a purpose-built filming studio where all content for the RX platform is produced. The company also operates a premium boutique reformer studio in Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach CA. The reformer is available in 13 countries and can ship worldwide.
About Yvette McGaffin
Reform RX CEO & co-founder, Yvette is a functional movement specialist and Pilates expert having taught Pilates for 15 years, originally studying mat Pilates while attending Brent Street School of Performing Arts in Sydney, Australia. Reformer Pilates training followed alongside her years as a professional dancer. Honing her craft teaching and studying different methods with studios in London, Australia, New Zealand and Toronto, Yvette founded her own studios in the UK, Reform Studios in 2015, where she trained Game of Thrones Producer Bernadette Caulfield for several years as well as Sir Ian McKellen and professional sports athletes.
Yvette created the Reform method and continues to train new Reform instructors. Yvette is a highly motivating teacher and a stickler for form. This combo adds to the intensity of her classes, and ultimately leads to smarter workouts and faster results. Reform RX was established in 2018 with the vision of creating the world’s best Pilates Reformer that will deliver life changing results with an unrivalled combination of functionality, connectivity and instructor talent.
About Neal McGaffin
Reform RX Co-Founder, Neal McGaffin, brings over a decade of experience in the Pilates industry, having successfully run a boutique Pilates studio chain in the UK. Passionate about democratising Pilates, Neal is dedicated to making this transformative movement system accessible to a wider audience. At Reform RX, Neal plays a pivotal role in strategic planning and market positioning, driving the company’s vision to revolutionise Pilates with cutting-edge innovation and global reach.
Last week the UK’s Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) proposed a price cap on cross-border interchange fees and is seeking comment on the level at which the cap
This week’s UK tech funding deals include storage software business Stora, Edinburgh health tech spinout Concinnity and more. UKTN tracked £9.3m worth of
Oxford Metrics today posted a dip in sales and profits which the sensor and software maker said was “reflecting the trend of extended buying cycles.” Th
Agratas has set up its new research centre at Milton Park near Didcot in Oxfordshire. This spot is well known for scientific work and has plenty of exp