Innovation, perseverance, and a clear vision – these are the building blocks of a successful business. But what distinguishes a promising idea from a scalable business model? And how do startups attract investors? Carlo Matic, an experienced serial entrepreneur and angel investor, knows the answers. With over 25 years in the digital economy, he has seen what really matters.

Why Successful Startups in Sport Thrive

The sports sector is evolving rapidly. Digital training methods, data-driven analysis, and new business models are shaping the industry. Startups that succeed in this space combine innovation with tangible benefits. Investment in sports startups makes sense when they solve real problems and enhance existing processes.

From Coach to Founder: A Competitive Advantage

Founders in the sports sector often have a crucial advantage: they come from within the industry. They understand the challenges faced by athletes, coaches and club management first-hand. This sets them apart from traditional tech startups, which need to conduct extensive market research to identify pain points.

CoachingArea also emerged from this practice. As a coach himself, Thiago Calderaro has experienced the structural problems of sport. Instead of a theory, a clear mission followed: a digital solution that makes day-to-day work in team and club and tournament management more efficient. This authentic experience is a real added value for investors. It shows that the startup is not based on assumptions, but on real needs.

Innovation Does Not Always Mean Radical Reinvention

Many people think that innovation always has to be something completely new. However, the best solutions are often created by further developing existing technologies and combining them in new ways. This is particularly true in sport.

What makes a digital solution truly innovative?

• It solves a real problem.

• It noticeably improves existing processes.

• It can be used intuitively.

• It is scalable and customisable.

An app or platform is only successful if it makes everyday life easier for users. Anyone targeting coaches or club management, for example, must bear in mind that their time is limited. Solutions must not only be functional, but also easy to use.

What makes a startup attractive for investors?

Carlo Matic has invested in numerous startups and knows what is important:

• Expertise and passion - the founders must be deeply rooted in their industry. Anyone who only sees market potential without really being passionate about the topic will fail.

• Clear vision, realistic realisation - A good idea is not enough. A robust plan for how the company will grow is crucial.

• Scalability - Can the solution be easily expanded to larger markets? Without scalability, growth will be limited.

• Authenticity and credibility - If you want to convince an investor, you need to feel that the team lives for the idea. No empty phrases, but genuine conviction.

• Flexibility and willingness to learn - The original plan rarely works 100%. The best founders adapt quickly to new insights.

These points are crucial - even for a startup like CoachingArea. The team has managed to develop a digital solution that is not only modern, but also directly derived from practical experience. This creates a particularly strong bond with the target group.

How Sports Startups Stay Successful in the Long Term

There are always new trends, especially in the sports sector. Startups must therefore be able to adapt without losing their core idea. It helps to concentrate on a few basic principles:

1. Focus on real added value: anyone developing a product or platform should not start from features, but from problems. What problem is being solved?

2. Direct contact with the target group: The best feedback does not come from consultants, but from those who use the product on a daily basis.

3. Long-term strategy instead of short-term hypes: Not every trend delivers what it promises. Investments should be considered in the long term.

The Most Important Learning for Founders

Whether in sport or in the digital economy - the path to a successful startup is rarely straightforward. Carlo Matic gives aspiring founders the following tips:

• Know your target group inside out. The better you understand what they really need, the more successful your solution will be.

• Test as early as possible. Develop a prototype and let real users try it out. Only then will you know whether your assumptions are correct.

• Bootstrapping instead of raising capital too early. If you start with your own funds, you retain control and independence. Venture capital can serve as an accelerator later on, but it is not an end in itself.

• Be passionate, but flexible. Anyone who stubbornly sticks to an idea without listening to the market will have a hard time.

• Invest in your network. Contacts in the industry are priceless - they bring knowledge, collaborations and sometimes even investments.

Conclusion: Success Can Be Planned - With the Right Strategy

Sports startups have great potential. The industry is developing rapidly and digitalisation offers huge opportunities. But success doesn't come by itself. It comes from a deep understanding of the market, a clear vision and continuous learning.

Startups like CoachingArea show that the best ideas often come from practical experience. Those who manage to use innovation sensibly and offer real added value have the best chance of succeeding - and perhaps even winning over investors like Carlo Matic.

Listen to the podcast episode here.