Sports are no longer just played on the field, they’re shaped by technology. From performance analytics to fan engagement, from AI-driven insights to e-sports, the way we experience and manage sports is changing fast.

With this transformation in mind, COREangels has launched COREangels SportsTech, a new €5 million fund dedicated to supporting startups that are pioneering the future of sports innovation.

A Fund Built for Early-Stage SportsTech Startups

COREangels SportsTech is headquartered in Lisbon and co-managed with OW Ventures, with the ambition to back up to 30 startups in the coming years. Each investment will average €120,000 per project, focusing on startups in the pre-seed and seed stages — ventures that may still be testing the market or with only a few months of sales.

This is where angel capital is most impactful: bridging the gap between ideas and scalable businesses.

Why SportsTech, Why Now

The numbers speak for themselves. According to a report by Pulsar Sports, the global sports technology market generated €350 million in revenue in 2024 and is expected to climb to €470 million by 2026.

This rapid growth, paired with limited funding mechanisms for early-stage startups in the sector, makes SportsTech one of the most promising and underserved verticals in venture investment.

“There is vast potential for technology to transform every aspect of sports — from athlete performance to fan engagement and club management. We are excited to lead this movement,” says Maurizio Calcopietro, partner of the new fund.

How COREangels SportsTech Works

Like all COREangels funds, SportsTech is built on community-powered investing. The model is simple yet powerful:

  • 50–60 angel investors will join the fund, each contributing on average €85,000.

  • Each startup backed will have a dedicated angel mentor who not only invests capital but also provides guidance, networks, and hands-on support.

  • The fund aims to hold its first investment committee in October, with investments starting in early 2026.

Where COREangels SportsTech Will Invest

The fund is scouting projects that leverage technology to enhance and transform sports, with a focus on:

  • Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics – Tools to optimize athlete training, injury prevention, and game strategy.
  • Smart Equipment & Wearables – Devices that provide real-time performance data.
  • Club & Organization Software – Platforms for managing operations, finance, and talent.
  • Fan Engagement Solutions – New ways to connect audiences to their favorite teams and athletes.
  • E-Sports Innovations – Products and services in the fast-growing world of competitive gaming.

This broad scope reflects the wide-reaching influence of technology in today’s sports landscape.

The Bigger Picture: COREangels’ Vision

COREangels SportsTech is more than a fund, it’s a movement to shape the future of sports through entrepreneurship. By pooling capital, knowledge, and networks from dozens of experienced business angels, the fund ensures startups get more than financial backing. They gain partners who believe in their vision and help them scale globally.

As part of the COREangels community, the SportsTech fund also taps into a global community of angels, founders, and co-investors — multiplying opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Looking Ahead

The launch of COREangels SportsTech represents a major step in COREangels’ commitment to vertical funds that connect specialized expertise with entrepreneurial ambition.

With its €5 million capital base, 50–60 engaged angels, and focus on transformative technologies, the fund is set to become a key player in Europe’s SportsTech ecosystem.

For founders building the future of sports, this is more than a funding opportunity. It’s an invitation to join a community where angels are not just investors, but mentors, collaborators, and believers in your calling.

👉 Stay tuned for updates on COREangels SportsTech and the first startups joining this exciting journey.