Aescape
US robotic massage company founded 2017; AI-powered automated massage table deployed at Equinox; entered insolvency April 2026 with $157M in debt.
Aescape was a New York City-based robotics wellness company that developed a fully automated, AI-driven robotic massage system. Founded in 2017 by four-time entrepreneur Eric Litman, the company was headquartered at 581 6th Avenue, New York, NY. Aescape's flagship product was an automated massage table that used advanced sensors to scan a client's body and generate over 1.1 million 3D data points, creating a precise anatomical map.
A robotic arm with proprietary 'Aerpoints' end-effectors then delivered seven distinct massage techniques with controlled pressure and temperature, all without requiring human therapists. Clients remained fully clothed during sessions, and a large touchscreen interface allowed real-time customization. The system commercially launched in spring 2024, initially deployed at 10 Equinox fitness club locations in New York City and the ila Only Spa at Lotte New York Palace.
Adoption drove a spike in gym memberships at partner sites, prompting plans for expansion to 60+ locations across the USA. Aescape was also deployed at select Massage Envy franchised locations. Total funding reached approximately $130–157 million from investors including Valor Equity Partners (early Tesla/SpaceX backer), Valor Siren Ventures, BroadLight, Crosslink Capital, and AlleyCorp—including an $83 million strategic round led by Valor Equity Partners announced in March 2025.
Despite strong initial consumer adoption metrics, Aescape entered insolvency proceedings in April 2026, disclosing total debt exceeding $150 million and a cumulative funding shortfall of approximately $157 million. Silicon Valley Bank had issued a loan default notice in December 2025. A public foreclosure sale on January 30, 2026 resulted in Aescape Recovery Inc. acquiring all company assets for a credit bid of $16.6 million.
Founder Eric Litman departed in early 2026 and founded a new startup, Healthspanners, in March 2026.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Aescape Robotic Massage System
- Launch Year: 2024
AI-powered automated massage table that body-scans clients to 1.1M+ 3D data points and delivers personalized robotic massage fully clothed.
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Contact Aescape
WEBSITE
https://www.aescape.com/PHONE
+1 646 760 6363HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
2017
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
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