Business FAQ

Effective: July 2023

This FAQ provides answers to some of the common questions we receive from clients and partners. If you have additional questions or clarifications, please contact us on info@svexa.com

What are your products?

Algorithms and software products for human performance

Combining personal information with available training and performance history, we deliver individualized, actionable recommendations for training and recovery 

We primarily work with sports tech and service providers, however our algos are applicable to any field of human performance including corporate, population wellness, military etc

We offer individual algorithms through to full software products, with white label/custom versions available

How are svexa insights different from Garmin etc?

There are many providers claiming to provide a ‘readiness score’ based on your activity, alongside many other metrics related to your training and performance. However, the vast majority of these base everything on a single source e.g. just data from your training watch. Svexa goes much further, integrating all available sources to drive a truly individualized profile that enables deeper training insight and advice

Does svexa make a device?

No. Svexa is device agnostic – unlike most providers in the space, we work with the data delivered by any sports tech device. Our intelligence enables deeper insight than typical providers, through true individualization

What are your algorithms?

Svexa’s world-leading science has generated a variety of performance related algorithms that can be utilized individually or in combination. Some examples include:

• Integrated load
• Energy expenditure
• Overtraining detection
• Effect of altitude
• Effect of running surface
• Readiness indicator
• Individualized HR / Speed / Power Zones
• Performance prediction
• Ambient fitness test
• Exercise weight setting
• Client-trainer matching

How are your products delivered?

The simplest way to access our intelligence products is through our plug-n-play APIs, for readiness, endurance training, strength training, 

We do also offer several of our products directly as web or mobile apps (iOS, Android)

We already have analytics, why do we need svexa?

Svexa’s team bring a unique combination – leading scientists in the field of human performance and precision medicine along with data analytics and AI. Our algorithms are device-agnostic and based in decades of elite level real world athletic coaching and training. Our algos also combine inputs from all available data sources, expanding on single device analytics.

What sports do your products apply to?

Our general algorithms and microservices can be applied to any different sport, or indeed any field of human performance in general.

In terms of our individual products – Ellida focuses on endurance sports (currently running, cycling and triathlon in the near future), Thrud focuses on strength training, while Athlete Passport can be applied in any situation.

Are your products relevant outside of sports?

Yes! Svexa’s fundamental principles are to combine available data sources to build a digital twin of the individual, then use this to provide ongoing recommendations. These can be applied to any field of human performance. For example, we can work with mental health apps, in general corporate wellness, and in national population health.

How can we use your products for corporate health?

Svexa algorithms for performance and recovery can be applied in any situation where individual data can be collected. In a corporate environment, we could capture subjective information about mood, diet, sleep etc from each person using our Readiness Advisor app. Using this alone, svexa can provide individualized recommendations for recovery. Where available, this could be combined with data on activity or exercise, allowing a more detailed profile. The advantage of svexa’s recommendations is that they are deeply individualized and adaptive to each person’s behavior, resulting in a more compelling experience that leads to improved compliance.

How can we use your products for population wellness?

Svexa algorithms for performance and recovery can be applied in any situation where individual data can be collected. We can work with regional or national government bodies to design and implement programs that will capture data that will be most effective while least intrusive. This could be as little as subjective information about mood, diet, sleep etc from each person gathered by our Readiness Advisor app. Using this alone, svexa can provide individualized recommendations for recovery. Typically, government bodies will encourage some level of physical activity – in this scenario we’ll incorporate activity tracking to provide each individual with personal recommendations on their daily activity and recovery. The advantage of svexa’s recommendations is that they are deeply individualized and adaptive to each person’s behavior, resulting in a more compelling experience that leads to improved compliance.

Who are your typical clients?

Svexa most often works with sports technology providers – hardware, software or online platform. Many of these have the existing capability to gather and display data, but svexa allows them to deliver deeper individualized insights to their customers.
With training products like Ellida or Thrud, we will also work with race/event organizers, gym networks or similar to provide a scalable individualized training plan offering that complements their services.

Svexa does also work with professional sports teams, elite athletes and federations – many of them have been collecting data for years and may have some in house analytical capability, but they don’t have the resources or expertise to deliver the depth of insight and simple coaching recommendations like svexa tools can.
Svexa is also extending its work into areas of corporate health, general/population wellness and wider human performance areas such as the military.

Can we talk to your clients?

Yes we have several clients available to act as references for our work. However, a number of our clients remain confidential.

Can your products be combined?

Yes! Our algorithms and products can be used individually or in whatever combination makes sense. For example, a svexa client may want to offer their end users the choice of training programs with an endurance focus, strength focus, or combination i.e. combing elements of Ellida and Thrud. Often our Readiness Advisor product is also integrated with training data, to provide simple daily subjective inputs for a more complete picture.

We already work with real coaches / trainers / experts, why do we need svexa?

Real coaches are great. Many of our team have a background in this area, or have worked closely with them. Svexa can complement coaches in several ways – either by bringing multiple data sources together into insight dashboards that coaches can use to guide their clients more effectively. Or by providing initial training plans that allow coaches (or their managing organizations) to scale up their activity and support many more customers.

Does svexa have an app that delivers all its products?

Svexa does not currently have a single iOS/Android app that provides access to all our products. However, we do offer our clients access to Svexa Lab, an online portal with access to our full product suite. The reason for this is that typically our clients will incorporate our products/algorithms into their own end user applications. Svexa does have a Readiness Advisor app, and will continue to extend its capabilities to encompass our wider products.

How long do customers need to use svexa products to see the difference / impact?

There is no definitive period that will deliver an impact for end users, it depends too much on the specifics of their situation. An experienced athlete that merely wants guidance on how best to recover and train daily may just see incremental improvement as svexa products help them to home in on optimal performance. On the other hand, a novice ‘couch to 5k’ runner may see a rapid evolution of their training plan and performance in a matter of weeks.

How can I access svexa products directly?

Typically end users and athletes will access svexa algorithms through one of our partner products. Our Partners web page provides a list of links to them.
In addition, anyone can download svexa’s free Readiness Advisor app for iOS or Android, to get daily recommendations based on a short daily subjective questionnaire.

Do I have to answer all the questions in Readiness Advisor? 

Yes, it is recommended to answer all questions as this enables the system to factor for all aspects of your activity and health. There are less than 10 questions, and each should only take a moment.

What happens if I miss a day and don’t answer the Readiness Advisor? 

While it is recommended to answer Readiness Advisor questions daily, the system can adapt if you miss a day. You can also go back and fill in any days you missed.

Do I have to answer Readiness Advisor questions even on days when I don’t have an Ellida/ Thrud workout scheduled? 

Yes, it is recommended to answer Readiness Advisor questions daily, as it enables the system to provide comprehensive analysis and insights. 

Readiness Advisor says ‘Not fully recovered’ by my Ellida/Thrud plan didn’t change? 

While Ellida plans take into account the Readiness Advisor inputs, plans are modified as per Ellida’s proprietary algorithm when the actual outcome is different from the expected outcome. It may be that you are able to train as planned, even if ‘not fully recovered’ on a given day.

How are the svexa plans created?

Using your historic then ongoing training data from connected devices and/or your subjective daily inputs from Readiness Advisor, svexa builds a Digital Twin that matches your physiological characteristics. Then our proprietary simulation engine compares results of thousands of possible training plans, each inspired by training blocks and styles of real elite level coaches. Ellida chooses the plan that best delivers on your goals, for your unique physiology.

How are svexa training plans different from all the others?

Most providers will use a few basic pieces of information to ‘bucket’ each athlete as a certain type, then provide a generic training plan on lightly tailored to them. Ellida’s proprietary algorithm goes much deeper. We first use your historic training data to build a unique profile of your response to training. This in turn allows us to generate your personalized training zones for heart rate and speed. With these in place, we generate much more individualized training plans aiming for your specific goal. 

What makes the plans adaptive?

As you train, Ellida looks at both your training data (e.g. from a connected Garmin watch) and readiness data (from our simple daily Readiness Advisor app), compares your ‘planned load’ to svexa’s proprietary calculated ‘actual load’ and uses these inputs to adjust your plan as needed. 

How often to do plans change?

An athlete’s plan will change immediately if Readiness Advisor indicates they are injured, unwell or performing below their best. On the other hand, if an athlete indicates that their training load is too low then their future plan will adjust ‘upward’.

My plan seems too hard / easy?

Your plan is based on your historic training performance and the goals you have defined. If you feel like the level is not quite right, go back to the Ellida Settings tab and adjust your goals or other entries as needed.

My plan has too many long runs / intervals / easy days?

Your plan is based on an optimal mix of training types. However, you can adjust the balance on your Ellida Settings page if you prefer.

What does ‘training style’ selector do?

Your plan is based on an optimal simulation of sessions based on many years of elite level coaching experience in the svexa team. However, you do also have the option to select a ‘celebrity coach’ on your Ellida Settings page – if you do, your plan will update to reflect their` unique style.

What changes plans?

Plans change in response to illness, injury, missed days, lower/higher readiness than normal, or training load and performance data. You may not see the plan change much, if it turns out to accurately match your performance over time.

How does Ellida estimate my run time?

Ellida includes a feature that predicts your future race performance. This is based on your current level and trajectory of fitness, based on your training data.

What sports devices do Ellida plans work with?

We offer connection to a wide range of devices, including Garmin, Oura, Suunto and a variety of others. Keep checking the ‘Devices’ tab for the latest list.

What sports do Ellida plans work with?

Currently Ellida plans are geared towards running goals. However, training sessions in other sports do count as activity towards your planned training. Svexa is also working to extend the training planning to additional sports asap.

Which sports will be added to Ellida next, and when?

Right now Ellida is focused on running.

The first additional sport we plan to add is cycling, which should appear in Q3 2023.

By the end of 2023, we plan for swim and triathlon to also be available.

Note that our Thrud product provides similar tailored training plans for strength training.

How can Ellida be used outside of running, for general health?

Yes! Svexa’s fundamental principles are to combine available data sources to build a digital twin of the individual, then use this to provide ongoing recommendations. These steps form the foundation of the Ellida (and Thrud) training planning products. These fundamentals can be applied to any field of human performance. For example, we can work with mental health apps, in general corporate wellness, and in national population health.

I already have a coach / personal trainer, why do I need Ellida plans?

Real coaches are great. Many of our team have a background in this area, or have worked closely with them. Svexa can complement your coach in several ways – either by bringing multiple data sources together into insight dashboards that your coach can use to guide your training more effectively. Or by providing initial training plans as a basis for your coach to refine based on your personal history together.

We have a roster of coaches, what would we benefit from Ellida?

Real coaches are great. Many of our team have a background in this area, or have worked closely with them. Svexa can complement coaches in several ways – either by bringing multiple data sources together into insight dashboards that coaches can use to guide their clients more effectively. Or by providing initial training plans that allow coaches (or their managing organizations) to scale up their activity and support many more customers each.

Connected Devices

What if our customer devices aren’t on the svexa list?

If there are additional devices that are particularly relevant for your customer base, there’s a very good chance we can quickly develop pipelines to gather and use that data. We’re used to ramping up data connections to new clients.

When I connect my wearable device/app, will I be able to see my data in svexa lab/Ellida/Thrud?

Once a device/app is connected to svexa lab, the data is leveraged to adjust training plans and recommendations. However, the data from the device will not be directly displayed within svexa lab. 

How are your algorithms priced?

We have a wide variety of available algorithms, so our licensing package is flexible to client needs. Typically we agree a revenue split with sports tech clients, so that we share income from athletes paying for capabilities powered by svexa.

How does revenue share split work? 

We will review gross end user pricing with our clients, along with any relevant deductions (e.g. Apple or Android platform fees) before agreeing a client/svexa split of net revenue. This is anchored by a minimum price per user per month that svexa expects for its typical products such as Ellida training planning.

How are svexa software products priced?

Typically our clients pay per user per month to license our software products, though on occasion we sell certain products for a fixed fee (e.g. ‘static’ one time implementation of Athlete Passport)

How are svexa white label products priced?

Svexa can develop custom client-branded versions of our products like Readiness Advisor. This would be associated with higher pricing than the same product svexa-branded.

Can we get exclusive use of svexa products?

Typically svexa does not offer exclusivity to our clients. However, it may be possible to agree narrowly defined exclusivity in a particular vertical or geography et. This would entail higher pricing than normal.

Does pricing vary by number of end users?

In general, our pricing does not vary by number of end users. However, for particularly high volume clients we will offer discounted pricing.

Does pricing vary by country?

We may negotiate different pricing to reflect local economic realities on a country by country basis.

Is there a free trial period for svexa products?

Svexa does not offer a trial period to our business clients. However, Svexa clients can price and sell their product to end users as they choose. 

Do I get a bundle discount if I use multiple products?

We do not have an explicit discount ladder, but yes we are open to negotiating improved rates with clients who would like to license multiple svexa products.

How does the code entry subscription system work?

Svexa offers client access to our products for testing and demonstration purposes, on our Svexa Lab site. In order to access products, you will need to enter a unique one-time use code provided by our team. Each code you enter will unlock access to a specific set of defined products, per what you’ve agreed with svexa ahead of time.

Can I pause my subscription due to an injury/illness? 

This is really a question for svexa’s clients, as they set end user pricing. On the svexa end, at this time Ellida subscriptions cannot be paused. 

What if we want our branding instead of svexa?

Most svexa algorithms are designed to operate ‘under the hood’ of our client’s products. End users receive svexa’s insights through our client solutions, and so are primarily exposed to client branding. For svexa’s standalone products such as Readiness Advisor, we can create custom versions with client branding if needed.

What are svexa branding requirements for customers?

Svexa is open to negotiation with each client on respective brand prominence. Typically the client brand is by far the most prominent, as they are the primary touchpoint for end users. If appropriate, we may request the phrase ‘powered by svexa’ is visible to end users at least to a minor extent.

How do svexa and their clients market the products?

Svexa conducts its own marketing of science and products, but this is mostly B2B. Our clients will conduct the B2C marketing of their svexa-driven products to end users.

Do you sell through resellers or partners?

We do have partners who are authorized to market svexa products on our behalf. If you would like more information, contact us at info@svexa.com 

Where is svexa based, where do you operate?

Svexa is based in Menlo Park, CA, USA though we have team members and operate worldwide.

Where are your contracts based?

We contract with partners and clients all over the world. By default, our contract basis will be in USA. However, we are open to contracting in other jurisdictions.

[coming soon]