Austin startup launches for endurance athletes

What they're saying: "Front Pack is the antithesis to what social networks have become," founder Scott Baldwin tells Axios.

• The startup "caters to real people looking for positivity, encouragement and support through sport," Baldwin adds. "And with our professional networking feature, you can connect in ways LinkedIn doesn't — through interests and your professional experiences."

How it works: Front Pack offers messaging, video and personalized feeds for athletes.

• Users can sign up for races and create dedicated spaces for their clubs and teams to communicate and coordinate events.
• The app also has weekly livestreams with experts, and users can connect with local or virtual coaches tailored to their needs.

Yes, but: You have to be a member to access Front Pack.

• Founding members can join for $7.99 a month until Oct. 3. After that, membership is $9.99 a month.

Zoom out: Front Pack enters a competitive field of social media tools for fitness enthusiasts, and there's no shortage of other ways for Austin athletes to connect in real life.

• In Austin, many local clubs use the app SweatPals to communicate, and Strava is the most popular social media tool for sports enthusiasts to share their workouts.
• Not to mention, the dozens of free clubs for walkers, runners and cyclists to meet up, and a growing number of companies like Nike, Barry's and Xponential Fitness Inc. are staking flags here.

What to watch: How Front Pack sets itself apart to avoid getting lost in the crowd.