Interactive Strength Inc. Escalates Debt Dispute with Plan to Auction Sportstech Shares
Austin, Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
Interactive Strength Inc. is enforcing a defaulted $6 million loan by auctioning 100% of Sportstech’s shares in Germany this March, explicitly citing a loss of patience with the borrower’s posturing.
Dual-Track Enforcement Strategy
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Interactive Strength Inc. (TRNR) formally initiated a comprehensive legal strategy to recover capital from Sportstech Brands Holding GmbH (“Sportstech”) following a loan default [1][2]. The company has filed lawsuits against both Sportstech and its founder, Ali Ahmad, while simultaneously triggering the foreclosure process on the collateral backing the debt [1]. According to the filings, the loan, which was originally provided as working capital in early 2025, matured on December 30, 2025, without Sportstech making any payments toward the principal or interest [1]. In response to this non-payment, TRNR has invoked its rights under a Share Pledge Agreement filed earlier this month, scheduling a public auction for 100% of Sportstech’s outstanding shares [1].
Auction Logistics and Legal Framework
The liquidation of Sportstech’s equity is proceeding under the strictures of the German Civil Code [1]. The public auction is scheduled for March 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Central European Time and will take place in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, at the offices of bhp Bogner Hensel & Partner [1]. This timeline provides a definitive horizon for the dispute, with TRNR CEO Trent Ward noting that the March 11 date offers “certainty on timing” regarding the resolution of the asset [1]. The auction notice was previously publicized in the Berliner Morgenpost on February 9, 2026, ensuring compliance with local legal requirements for enforcing share pledges [1].
Financial Implications and Claims
The financial stakes of this litigation involve a claim for approximately $6.0 million, a figure that encompasses the principal, accrued interest, and discount under the Loan Agreement dated January 27, 2025 [1]. Beyond this primary claim, TRNR is pursuing an additional $0.6 million related to an extension fee and default interest in Luxembourg, bringing the total potential recovery sought to 6.6 million excluding enforcement costs [1]. The aggressive legal posture also targets Ali Ahmad personally, seeking to enforce a guarantee he notarized in January 2025 [1]. Management at Interactive Strength Inc. has expressed frustration with the borrower’s conduct, with Ward stating the company has “lost patience with their nonsensical posturing” after extending multiple opportunities to resolve the matter amicably [1].