Shape Up The Nation gets $5M in Series A financing from Boston investors

PROVIDENCE – Startup Shape Up The Nation has received $5 million in Series A funding from Cue Ball Capital and Excel Venture Management.
The company – a sister company of Shape Up Rhode Island – uses social networking to help users meet their health goals. Founded in 2006 by Brown University medical students Rajiv Kumar and Brad Weinberg, the online portal utilizes peer-based motivation tools to succeed in challenges and achieve goals such as losing weight, increasing physical activity and quitting smoking.
“Our company was founded on the knowledge that the most effective way to improve health is by connecting people with those who care about them – colleagues, friends, family – and empowering them to succeed through peer motivation, support and accountability,” said Mike Zani, CEO of Shape Up The Nation.
In conjunction with the financing, Anthony Tjan, CEO and general partner of Cue Ball Capital, will join the board and serve as executive chairman. Juan Enriquez, managing director of Excel Venture Management, will also join Shape Up The Nation’s board of directors. •