One other star footballer has joined a startup’s lineup. Portugal’s Diogo Dalot is the newest recruit, teaming up with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo to again personalised complement pioneer Bioniq.
Dalot has invested €1mn within the firm, which has developed an progressive method to diet. Based in 2019, Bioniq analyses blood take a look at biomarkers to create customised dietary supplements for athletes.
The recipes are created by an algorithm skilled on over 6 million biochemical data factors. Based on Bioniq, the system can generate over 10 million mixtures of nutrient granules, every tailor-made to the precise wants and targets of every buyer.
Dalot has obtained his personal personalised system, which he credit for enhancing his performances on the pitch.
“Since discovering Bioniq in 2022, it’s been a game-changer for me,” he mentioned. “I’ve seen the outcomes for myself.”
Dalot’s funding comes just months after a separate money injection from Ronaldo, which pushed the startup’s valuation to $82mn. Shortly after, Bioniq reported that its whole person base had tripled in 2024.
A health obsessive, Ronaldo raved about Bioniq’s bodily advantages.
“It’s about aligning with a shared imaginative and prescient for well being, efficiency, and longevity,” he mentioned.
“I’ve been utilizing their merchandise myself for nearly three years. With their personalised well being method, I consider Bioniq has the potential to remodel how we look after our our bodies and assist individuals attain and preserve their peak efficiency for longer.”
Footballers gasoline the tech funding increase
Dalot and Ronaldo are a part of a rising wave of footballers investing in tech.
Main the cost is France ahead Kylian Mbappé, whose funding agency, Coalition Capital, just lately backed German electronics model Loewe Expertise.
Spain’s Gerard Piqué and England’s Rio Ferdinand have additionally made notable bets. The previous Manchester United teammates scored massive by investing in NFT buying and selling card sport Sorare earlier than it soared to a $4.3 billion valuation.
Maybe the busiest investor within the lineup is Mario Götze. The German World Cup winner has backed startups starting from sports activities media platform ScorePlay to edtech agency Junto, whereas additionally founding the funding car Companion-M.
Since scoring the successful aim within the 2014 FIFA World Cup remaining, Götze’s taking part in profession hasn’t reached the heights as soon as anticipated — however his enterprise ventures have thrived.
For startups, the involvement of footballers affords extra than simply monetary backing. With their fame, fanbases, and trade connections, they’ll present highly effective platforms for development.
Europe’s funding panorama is a key a part of the agenda for TNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the occasion are now on sale. To get 30% off, use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 on the check-out.
