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Athletico Ventures

GBFRESDEBENLPTConsumerHealthtechAI/MLMarketplacesDeep TechOther

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Investment thesis

Athletico Ventures empowers elite athletes to invest in the most promising European startups alongside top-tier investors, then maximises benefits for both athletes and startups. Founded in 2020 by Arthur Bernard, the firm operates two vehicles: a deal-by-deal syndication model (individual athlete checks of €25k–€250k) and AV Collective #1, a collective investment vehicle of 40+ elite athletes from football, Formula 1, Formula E, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and eSports, writing initial checks of €150k per deal. The firm focuses on late seed to Series B rounds in B2C and B2B European startups across Consumer, Impact (education, health, climate, food), and Sports & Entertainment verticals, leveraging athletes' capital, competitive mindset, networks, and brand influence to add differentiated value beyond pure financial backing.

Notable quotes

In the US, athletes and their management teams had started to realize the value of the audience and the black books of the athletes as a way to invest in startups.

Arthur Bernard · The Upside VC Profile interview, theupside.us · 2023-12-06

Why none of our 31 deals came from inbound or athlete referrals, and what actually works.

Arthur Bernard · Athletico Ventures Substack newsletter #23, athleticoventures.substack.com · 2026-04-22

We invest initial checks of €150k in B2C and B2B European startups, focusing on late seed to Series B rounds.

Arthur Bernard · LinkedIn post announcing AV Collective #1, linkedin.com/in/arthur-bernard1984 · 2023-09-28

Recent investments

CompanyRoundSizeDate
Sava TechnologiesSeed$19m2025-07-30
GladiaSeries A2024-10-15
SpikoSeries A$22m2025-01-01
OmadaSeed$8m2024-01-01
WethenewSeries B$22m2023-05-10
ScorePlaySeed$5m2023-07-26
Life5Series A$11m2023-06-06
SorareSeries B$680m2021-09-20
OuraSeries C$100m2021-05-01
moka.careSeries A2022-01-01

Frequent co-investors

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