AI-powered running startup Kotcha has raised €3.5 million to make professional-grade coaching accessible to runners of all levels.
The round was led by Racine² (a joint initiative by Serena and makesense), with participation from TrueGlobal, Motier Ventures, and a network of prominent angels from the sports, consumer, and health sectors.
Founded by marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge alongside Ben Dupont (CEO), Michel-André Chirita (CTO), Dimitri Dor (CMO), and the NN Running Team, Kotcha blends elite training expertise with AI to recreate the experience of having a full professional coaching team — right in your pocket.
“Running is a team sport,” said Eliud Kipchoge, Kotcha’s co-founder. “Without my coaches and teammates, I would never have pushed human limits. With Kotcha, we wanted to share not just the training structure — but the entire support system that made it possible.”
Reimagining Coaching for the Next Generation of Runners
With over 1.1 million entries for the 2026 London Marathon, global interest in running is at an all-time high. Yet, personalized coaching remains out of reach for most — traditional fitness apps cost around €20 per month, while human coaches can charge up to €100.
The company aims to close that gap with an AI-driven coaching platform that adapts in real time to each runner’s performance, lifestyle, and goals.
Unlike generic 12- or 16-week training plans, Kotcha simulates a true coaching team, featuring four specialized AI “coaches”:
- Head Coach – Designs adaptive training plans.
- Nutritionist – Optimizes fueling and recovery.
- Data Analyst – Interprets performance metrics.
- Personal Trainer – Provides injury prevention and strength guidance.
Each coach is modeled after the NN Running Team’s proven training philosophies and continuously learns from the user’s data.
“AI alone can’t meet runners’ expectations unless it understands their rhythm,” said Ben Dupont, CEO. “Kotcha is built to listen, adapt, and respond like a coach who truly knows you.”
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Built With Athletes, For Athletes
Tested with more than 300 runners, Kotcha offers an immersive and adaptive experience that evolves with each session.
Every week, the app reviews training data, feedback, and context (missed sessions, fatigue, recovery) to replan workouts dynamically. Before and after each run, users receive personalized briefings, debriefs, and on-demand responses to questions about training, nutrition, or recovery.
This creates a continuous coaching loop that mirrors the day-to-day feedback of an elite athlete’s training camp.
A Global Vision for Accessible, Intelligent Coaching
With this €3.5 million pre-seed round, Kotcha plans to:
- Officially launch its app in Europe in early 2026.
- Expand to new markets across North America and Asia.
- Enhance its AI personalization engine and integrate wearable data.
- Grow its content ecosystem with localized training and educational programs.
“Kotcha isn’t just a running app — it’s a movement,” said Dupont. “We’re building a global community where anyone can train like they’re part of an elite team.”
About Kotcha
Kotcha is a next-generation running platform co-built with Eliud Kipchoge and the NN Running Team. Combining world-class coaching expertise with advanced AI, Kotcha delivers adaptive, personalized guidance across training, nutrition, and recovery. Founded in 2024, the Paris-based startup is on a mission to make elite-level coaching accessible to every runner — from first-timers to marathon professionals.
