PNOĒ 2.0 Brings Self-Serve Metabolic Breath Testing to Gyms
PNOĒ launches a self-serve metabolic mask October 1, measuring 23 breath biomarkers in eight minutes as it expands its profitable wellness business model.
Summary
PNOĒ, a 10-year-old company based in Malden, Massachusetts, with Athens operations, plans to launch PNOĒ 2.0 on October 1, 2026. The compact, self-serve mask needs one button and eight seated minutes to measure oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide output and 23 biomarkers, including VO₂ max, resting metabolic rate and metabolic flexibility, then software recommends diet and training. Developed with Milan-based Design Group Italia, it has fewer parts for reliability, while detachable electronics let businesses share hardware as each user keeps the silicone mask and straps. Removing the trained operator could extend lab testing beyond hospitals and elite programs into unstaffed gyms and pharmacies. PNOĒ claims portable, lab-grade accuracy but classifies it as wellness equipment: it lacks FDA clearance, gives no medical recommendations and cannot support prescriptions.
CEO Apostolos Atsalakis developed the concept during sensing technology PhD work at the University of Cambridge and co-founded PNOĒ with childhood friend and chief product officer Panos Papadiamantis. A Y Combinator Winter 2019 graduate, it has raised about $22 million, including a recent $11 million round from backers including 50 Years and Google Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen. The 110-person company says it recently became profitable while growing more than 100% annually. Business customers pay $400 to above $1,000 monthly for hardware, software, training and marketing, with test-based service recommendations and onboarding. Clients include nearly all Equinox clubs, Four Seasons, Red Bull, the NBA, Mount Sinai Health System and Restore Hyper Wellness. The US supplies about 85% of business; expansion is underway in Europe and through partners in Latin America and Asia. Apple, Garmin, Whoop and Lumen compete below it, while lab metabolic carts remain the high-end standard. Disease flagging remains at least a couple of years away, plus regulatory delays, and PNOĒ plans a Series B within six to 12 months.
Positives
- PNOĒ 2.0 reduces metabolic testing to one button and eight seated minutes without a trained operator.
- The mask captures 23 biomarkers, including VO₂ max, resting metabolic rate and metabolic flexibility.
- Detachable electronics allow shared hardware while each customer retains their own silicone mask and straps.
- PNOĒ recently became profitable while expanding more than 100% annually with a 110-person workforce.
- About $22 million raised, including a recent $11 million round, supports international expansion and a planned Series B.
- Equinox, Four Seasons, Red Bull, the NBA, Mount Sinai Health System and Restore Hyper Wellness already use PNOĒ testing.
Risks & concerns
- PNOĒ 2.0 lacks FDA clearance and cannot provide medical recommendations or support medication decisions.
- Disease detection remains at least a couple of years away, with regulatory requirements potentially extending that timeline.
- Monthly subscriptions cost $400 to more than $1,000, keeping PNOĒ focused on business customers rather than direct consumer sales.
- Apple, Garmin and Whoop estimate VO₂ max, Lumen analyzes fuel use, and laboratory metabolic carts retain clinical authority.
- About 85% of revenue comes from the US, leaving PNOĒ heavily exposed to one geographic market.