The European sports technology sector continues its robust growth trajectory, with French startups leading the charge in democratising elite athletic performance. Against this backdrop, Paris-based Kotcha has secured €3.5 million in funding to transform how everyday runners access professional-grade coaching. The round positions France as a key player in the rapidly expanding sports tech market, where digital platforms are reshaping traditional coaching models across Europe.
Sports tech funding attracts European investors
The funding round was led by Racine2, a Paris-based venture capital firm known for backing consumer technology companies across Europe. Racine2’s investment thesis centres on platforms that leverage technology to democratise access to premium services, making Kotcha a natural fit for their portfolio strategy. The firm has previously backed European startups that challenge traditional service delivery models through digital innovation.
“Kotcha represents the perfect intersection of sports expertise and accessible technology,” explains a partner at Racine2. “Their approach to making elite running coaching available to amateur athletes addresses a significant gap in the European fitness market.” The investment reflects growing investor confidence in European sports technology companies that can scale across multiple markets whilst maintaining local relevance.
Platform targets fragmented European fitness market
Kotcha’s platform connects recreational runners with certified coaches through a digital interface that personalises training programmes based on individual goals and performance data. The startup differentiates itself from generic fitness apps by emphasising human expertise combined with data-driven insights, a approach particularly resonant with European consumers who value personalised service.
The funding will primarily support international expansion across European markets, where Kotcha sees significant opportunity in countries with strong running cultures like Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. “We’re not just building another fitness app – we’re creating a bridge between elite sports knowledge and everyday athletes,” states the company’s founder. The platform already serves thousands of runners across France and plans to launch in three additional European markets by 2025.
This funding round signals investors’ growing appetite for European sports technology ventures that combine traditional expertise with modern accessibility. For the broader ecosystem, Kotcha’s success demonstrates how French startups can compete effectively in the global sports tech arena whilst maintaining their European identity.