Sweatpals

Mandi Zhou

Co-Founder & CPO

Product leader with 10 years of experience, previously building products used by Apple, Ulta, and Shell. My personal journey began when I immigrated to the U.S. alone at 14, speaking little English and struggling with psoriasis that often made me self-conscious. Searching for relief, I discovered that regular exercise and sunlight eased my symptoms—and, most importantly, connected me with "SweatPals" despite the language and cultural barrier. That transformative experience showed me how fitness can forge genuine communities across cultural lines. Today, that passion drives my work at SweatPals, where I’m committed to creating inclusive spaces that help people find their own sense of belonging through movement.

Salar Shahini

Cofounder & CEO

2x Founder, sold my last company in 2022 I grew up in Iran and fell in love with entrepreneurship at age 13, when I made pinback buttons featuring Persian cartoon characters and sold them at school. I saved up, move to the U.S., and earned my Master’s in engineering in Boston. Along the way, I created a deep tech solution now used by 500+ municipalities across US and Canada. I’ve also lived in Istanbul and frequently relocated, which taught me firsthand the power of finding welcoming communities in each new place. Fitness was always the only way I was able to find belonging. It truly transcends language and culture.