Berlin-based fitness startup Urban Sports Club has laid off 55 employees, representing 15% of its workforce, in an unexpected move driven by missed profitability targets. The company, which offers flexible sports memberships across multiple European countries, had initially focused on aggressive growth following the pandemic. However, due to challenging market conditions, including the energy crisis and inflation, it has shifted its strategy toward achieving profitability, particularly in Germany by year-end. The layoffs, which affect all brands under the group including OneFit and Fitogram, were described as fair by affected staff, who received market-standard severance packages. The company remains operational in Germany, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands.
