HeroWear
HeroWear is a Nashville-based workforce wearables company that develops the Apex 2, a 3-pound passive back-assist soft exosuit, and sells it to enterprises in warehousing, manufacturing, logistics, defense, and research markets to reduce worker back injuries and fatigue.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersNashville, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What HeroWear does
HeroWear is a Nashville-based workforce wearables company that develops and sells soft exoskeletons designed to reduce back strain and fatigue for workers performing repetitive bending and lifting tasks. The company's flagship product, the Apex 2, is a passive (unpowered) 3-pound back-assist exosuit that uses elastic bands and a patented mechanical clutch system to provide on-demand assistive force, requiring no motors or batteries. Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Vanderbilt University, the company is led by co-founders Mark Harris (CEO) and Dr. Karl Zelik (Chief Scientific Officer), with co-founder Matthew Yandell serving as CTO and John Heller appointed as COO to support growth.
HeroWear serves enterprise customers across warehousing and distribution, manufacturing, cold storage and logistics, government and military, research institutions, and individual consumers, with named deployments at Rust-Oleum, Americold, the Royal Australian Air Force, the U.S. Army (SABER program), URM, Amerisure, Plymouth, Toyota, General Motors, DHL, and an unnamed Fortune 500 grocery retailer. The product is differentiated from powered exoskeletons by its passive architecture, modular gender-specific sizing, three band-strength tiers, and a 2-year component warranty (1 year on bands). Outcomes cited from peer-reviewed and field studies include a 62% reduction in strain/sprain injuries across 311,000 warehouse hours (Vanderbilt study), 5–10x ROI in warehousing and distribution, and 281,000+ hours of collected longitudinal injury data.
The business model is primarily one-time hardware sales of the Apex 2 exosuit, with pricing tiers ranging from $1,499 for individual consumers to $14,990 (10-user Basic), $37,475 (25-user Starter), $74,950 (50-user Standard), and custom quotes for 100+ user Enterprise packages, plus $4,499 for research institutions. Revenue is supplemented by training and implementation services, replacement bands and consumables, and an emerging Exo-as-a-Service subscription priced below $99 per user per month for enterprise customers. Distribution combines a direct enterprise field sales force with an authorized international distributor network covering 20+ countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company has raised approximately $6.83M cumulatively, most recently a $5M Series A in April 2025 led by Engage and White Road Investments.
HeroWear firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- HeroWear
- Legal name
- HeroWear, LLC
- Website
- https://herowearexo.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- HeroWear is a Nashville-based workforce wearables company that develops the Apex 2, a 3-pound passive back-assist soft exosuit, and sells it to enterprises in warehousing, manufacturing, logistics, defense, and research markets to reduce worker back injuries and fatigue.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
HeroWear industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Occupational Exoskeletons
- NAICS
- Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (31599), Sporting Goods Retailers (45911)
- SIC
- Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949), Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300), Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Protective Armor & Impact Protection Retail (Body/Back/Chest) (CRAMANAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Safety Accessories & Wearables Retail (Neck Braces, Hydration, Earplugs) (CRAMANAL)
Keywords
Where HeroWear is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Nashville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
HeroWear business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales - Apex 2 Exosuit: One-time hardware sales of Apex 2 exosuits. Pricing ranges from $1,499 for individual home users to enterprise packages at $74,950 for 50-user standard package. Volume discounts available for 100+ unit orders. Additional revenue from band replacements (~$99/user/month Exo-as-a-Service option).
- Training and Implementation Services: Virtual and on-site training services bundled with exosuit packages. Enterprise packages include 40+ hours virtual training and 4+ days on-site training. Professional services support deployment success.
- Replacement Parts and Consumables: Revenue from replacement bands (recommended every 12 months depending on use), component replacements. Bands covered under 1-year warranty; full suit components under 2-year warranty.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | 10-User Basic package with training and support |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | 25-User Starter package with enhanced training |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | 50-User Standard package with comprehensive support |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | 100+ User Enterprise package with full service |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Individual home user purchase |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Research Institutions package |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
HeroWear product offering
Product offeringCore offering
HeroWear designs and sells the Apex 2, a lightweight (approximately 3 lbs) passive back-assist exosuit (soft exoskeleton) that uses elastic bands and a patented mechanical clutch system to reduce back strain and fatigue during repetitive bending and lifting. The company sells directly to enterprise customers and through international distributors, bundling training, fitting, and ongoing support via its HeroCare service.
Product overview
HeroWear offers a portfolio of occupational back-assist exosuits centered on the Apex 2 (current flagship product) and the earlier Apex first-generation model. Both are soft exoskeletons — unpowered, passive mechanical devices using elastic bands and a clutch mechanism — designed for workers who perform repetitive bending and lifting. The company also provides HeroCare, a support service bundled with every purchase covering training, fitting, and data support. Pricing tiers (Basic/10-user, Starter/25-user, Standard/50-user, Enterprise/100+) are scaled for corporate customers, with separate pricing for research institutions and individual home users.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Apex 2: The company's flagship back-assist exosuit product - a lightweight (3 lbs) soft exoskeleton designed to reduce back strain and fatigue for workers who bend and lift.
- HeroCare
Products and services
- Apex 2 Exosuit A lightweight (3 lbs) back-assist soft exoskeleton that uses elastic bands and a patented mechanical clutch to reduce back strain and fatigue during repetitive bending and lifting. Designed for industrial, warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, logistics, and similar environments.
- HeroCare Customer service and support program bundled with every Apex purchase, providing assistance with assembly, fitting, training, storage, and data collection for exosuit deployments.
Companies that use HeroWear
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
HeroWear technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
HeroWear partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- SA2050coreSA2050 received the Outstanding Partner award for supporting Apex 2 technology deployment across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Acts as a regional distribution and support partner.
- HeroWear Global Partners NetworkcoreHeroWear operates a network of authorized distributors and partners internationally. Partners handle initial inquiries, product demos, training, implementation, and ongoing support. The network spans Europe, Asia, Australia, and other regions. Specific partner names are not listed on the referenced page.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
HeroWear competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- German Bionic: German Bionic develops the Cray X powered back-assist exoskeleton for logistics, manufacturing, and construction workers — the most direct competitor to HeroWear's Apex 2 in occupational back support, serving the same Fortune 500 enterprise buyers.
- SuitX (Ottobock): SuitX (acquired by Ottobock) produces modular occupational exoskeletons including backX, shoulderX, and legX — directly competing with HeroWear's Apex 2 in industrial back-assist and offering a multi-joint product portfolio.
- Levitate Technologies: Levitate makes the AirFrame and other passive back- and shoulder-assist exosuits for industrial and warehouse workers, targeting the same use case as HeroWear's Apex 2 with a similarly non-powered design philosophy.
- Skelex: Skelex manufactures the Skelex 360 and other passive industrial exoskeletons designed for overhead work and back support, overlapping with HeroWear's manufacturing, logistics, and construction target customers.
Emerging players
- Comau: Comau (Stellantis-owned) produces the MATE wearable exoskeleton for automotive and manufacturing workers — an emerging occupational exosuit player competing in the same back/shoulder support category as HeroWear.
- StrongArm Technologies: StrongArm Technologies (now part of Ergocentric/Fortive) makes the V22 ErgoSkeleton and wearable safety devices for industrial workers — an emerging player in industrial injury prevention that competes with HeroWear for warehouse and manufacturing safety budgets.
Broad incumbents
- Ekso Bionics: Ekso Bionics is a public exoskeleton company with both medical (EksoNR, Ekso Indego) and industrial (Ekso EVO) offerings, making it a broader incumbent in the exoskeleton space that overlaps with HeroWear's industrial use case.
- Ottobock: Ottobock is the global leader in prosthetics and orthotics, with a growing occupational exoskeleton business via SuitX and Paexo — a broad incumbent with overlapping back-assist products and deeper clinical distribution than HeroWear.
- Sarcos Robotics: Sarcos (now publicly listed via SPAC) develops Guardian XO and other industrial exoskeletons, targeting manufacturing, logistics, and defense — broader and more powered than HeroWear's passive approach but competing for the same enterprise safety budgets.
- ReWalk Robotics: ReWalk Robotics produces powered exoskeletons for medical and rehabilitation use (ReWalk Personal, ReStore). While primarily medical, it is a comparable exoskeleton manufacturer competing for talent, investors, and adjacent occupational applications.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
HeroWear social profiles
Digital presenceHeroWear financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
HeroWear leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
HeroWear funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors5 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
HeroWear M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about HeroWear
What does HeroWear do?
HeroWear designs and sells the Apex 2, a lightweight (approximately 3 lbs) passive back-assist exosuit (soft exoskeleton) that uses elastic bands and a patented mechanical clutch system to reduce back strain and fatigue during repetitive bending and lifting. The company sells directly to enterprise customers and through international distributors, bundling training, fitting, and ongoing support via its HeroCare service.
Is HeroWear a public or private company?
HeroWear is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was HeroWear founded?
HeroWear was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is HeroWear based?
HeroWear is headquartered in Nashville, United States, in the North America region.
How does HeroWear make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales - Apex 2 Exosuit is the primary driver. The others are training and Implementation Services and replacement Parts and Consumables.
Who are HeroWear's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are German Bionic, SuitX (Ottobock), Levitate Technologies and Skelex. Emerging players are Comau and StrongArm Technologies. Broad incumbents are Ekso Bionics, Ottobock, Sarcos Robotics and ReWalk Robotics.
Does HeroWear have an API?
No public API is recorded for HeroWear.
What industry is HeroWear in?
HeroWear's product category is Occupational Exoskeletons. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMANAC, Protective Armor & Impact Protection Retail (Body/Back/Chest), with a secondary code of CRAMANAL, Safety Accessories & Wearables Retail (Neck Braces, Hydration, Earplugs). Its NAICS code is 3159 and its SIC code is 3949.