Paris-based Kotcha raises €3.5 million to make elite running coaching accessible to everyone

Paris-based startup Kotcha has secured €3.5 million in pre-seed funding to make elite running coaching accessible worldwide, marking a significant step in leveraging AI for personalized fitness. Co-founded with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and the NN Running Team, Kotcha aims to bridge the gap between generic training apps and expensive human coaching. This development highlights Europe's growing interest in AI-driven solutions for the health and fitness sector. Kotcha's AI-powered app offers adaptive and personalized guidance, evolving with each runner's performance. The app provides a team of AI coaches, including a Head Coach, Nutritionist, Data Analyst, and Personal Trainer, all trained on NN Running Team methods. Available on the App Store since October 23rd, the app is designed for runners training for various race distances and is available in both French and English. The impact of Kotcha extends to runners of all levels, offering a scalable solution to meet the growing demand for running races. Unlike traditional apps, Kotcha focuses on providing a more human-like experience by understanding each runner's goals and training patterns. This approach aims to enhance physical, mental, and social well-being through running, aligning with broader trends in digital health and personalized fitness solutions. Kotcha's success could pave the way for more AI-driven coaching platforms. By integrating the insights of elite athletes and advanced AI, the platform could become a global leader in accessible running coaching. Future iterations of the app are planned to include features like real-time plan adjustments, further enhancing its adaptability and user-centric design.