On June 26, 2025, Benedikt and I traveled to Lucerne to meet with several rowing teams ahead of the World Rowing Cup. It was a unique opportunity to connect directly with our clients, gather insights, and see our system in action.
Our first meeting was with the Swiss Rowing team, who provided us with incredibly detailed and constructive feedback. As non-rowers ourselves, it's crucial for us to deeply understand the sport in order to design a system that truly fits their needs. And the best way to do that is through open discussions with coaches and data specialists. We don't automatically know how they use the system, which metrics they prioritize, or what insights matter most to them. That's why their feedback is invaluable.
One of the main points raised by the Swiss team was the importance of understanding how the rowers' posture impacts the boat motion. That is why they want to implement our video data overlay - a tool initially developed for alpine skiing - into their training. While it functioned technically, it isn't optimized for rowing. The metrics currently displayed are tailored for skiing. However, if demand for this feature in rowing continues to grow, we are ready to adapt and implement the necessary changes.
I had the opportunity to accompany the team during practice and observe how they used the video-sync system. Watching the boats glide so smoothly and harmoniously across the water was a beautiful moment, there was an elegance in their effortlessness that left a lasting impression.
Next, we met with other nation's teams and were of assistance for any questions and feedback.
But the moment that truly brought everything together for me was during lunch. I had a meaningful conversation with Conny Draper, who has been a key contributor to the system's visualization design and, in many ways, is our internal rowing expert. She asked whether I had found a narrative angle for the day's reportage. I told her I had, and it was clear:
What sets Archinisis apart from other sports tech companies is the collaborative relationship between us and our users.
We don't just tolerate feedback, we actively seek it. We listen intently, ask questions, and truly value the input of coaches and specialists. And what's equally exciting is how coaches begin to imagine new possibilities as they get more familiar with the system. Their feedback evolves with experience, becoming more visionary and innovative. Plus, Archinisis has grown without external investors. This has allowed the company's primary focus to be on the customers' needs rather than on short-term profit. It is the foundation to build durable relationships, adapt to market readiness, and maintain close contact with our clients. It shows in the trust that they have towards our system and vice versa.
That's the kind of feedback that drives real improvement. It's not just about fixing what's broken, it's about uncovering what's possible. Every conversation helps us refine the system, adapt features to specific sports like rowing, and ultimately, design tools that make a meaningful difference to athletes and coaches. That's how Archinisis grows, through collaboration and curiosity. We can only be excited for everything that Archinisis still has to offer, things are shifting faster than you think!