Spanish startup Lizcore has successfully raised €600,000 in pre-seed funding to further develop its innovative indoor climbing tracking system, which aims to bring social gamification to the sport while prioritizing safety. The funding round, comprising investments from several investors, business angels, and state support, will enable the company to commercialize its hardware and expand its team.

Lizcore's system, showcased at MWC earlier this year, allows climbers to wear a lightweight NFC bracelet to track their routes, eliminating the need for bulky devices. The bracelet works in conjunction with smart base units and top-out holds, capturing route stats and progress, which can be monitored in the Lizcore app. This technology has the potential to transform the indoor climbing experience, making it more engaging and competitive.

The startup has already signed its first local customer, Drac de Pedra, a climbing gym in Rubí, Catalonia, which will initially install 30 routes with 10 devices. This partnership demonstrates the growing interest in Lizcore's technology and its potential to revolutionize the indoor climbing industry.

However, Lizcore's primary focus is on developing a safety device for autobelays, which are mechanical machines installed at the top of climbing routes to allow climbers to ascend without a belay partner. While autobelays are generally safe when used correctly, there have been instances of climbers forgetting to clip themselves in, leading to tragic falls. Lizcore's system aims to mitigate this risk by allowing climbers to hold digital credentials on their NFC band, which will only grant access to the autobelays if the correct credential is presented.

The system will also utilize cameras installed with Lizcore base units to detect whether climbers are correctly clipped into their harnesses using AI-powered software. A second camera will monitor the route itself, triggering an alarm if a climber is not clipped in. This innovative approach prioritizes safety, reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities.

Lizcore's co-founder and CTO, Marçal Juan, emphasized the importance of developing this safety device, citing the number of deaths that occur every year due to autobelay accidents. The company is working to finalize the safety device within the next 6-12 months, acknowledging the challenges of hardware development.

As Lizcore expands its team to nine people, the company is committed to showcasing its system, refining its hardware, and attracting more gyms to adopt its technology. With the demand for safety solutions in indoor climbing growing, Lizcore is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the industry.

In conclusion, Lizcore's innovative approach to indoor climbing, combining gamification and safety, has the potential to transform the sport. With its recent funding round and first customer acquisition, the startup is poised for growth and is likely to play a key role in shaping the future of indoor climbing.