New technology from startup ventures is transforming the sports industry. The mission of this series will be to introduce startup companies in the sports technology space to a broader audience and allow Founders of promising new ventures to tell their story. Feel free to contact us if you know of a startup that should be considered for this series.
Company: Running Heroes / Move4More
CEO: Boris Pourreau
Headquarters: Paris, France
1. What is your elevator pitch?
The mission of Running Heroes is to motivate people to go out and run by creating innovative digital experiences based on the data generated by all the main running GPS applications. In order to improve our users physical activity, we have created new digital experiences in order to make our service more accessible, more inspiring and fun thus building a community around our service. We implemented these experience enhancements through exclusive partnerships with running apps and watches (Nike+, Runtastic, Endomondo, Strava, Polar, Garmin…).
2. Problem & Solution
Problem 1: As running has become such a popular sport, brands struggle to target the people who run but don’t necessarily read magazines, specialized websites or blogs.
Problem 2 : On one hand print advertising and bills in the subway or in the street aren’t as efficient as they used to be and don’t provide a precise tracking of their efficiency. On the other hand, banners on websites and click-generating campaigns bother potential consumers.
Solution : Running Heroes offer smart digital campaigns using the data and tailor-made events to engage runners of all levels on a deeper level.
3. Market – your target market and the overall market
Our core market is of course the running brands, but it is also any brands that have an interest in a community of active and engaged runners.
4. Business Model – how do you make money?
We make money by selling marketing campaigns on RunningHeroes.com to brands willing to reach an engaged community of active runners.
5. Management Team – with titles
Boris Pourreau – CEO and co-founder
Jean-Charles Touzalin – CTO and co-founder
6. What else do you want the audience to know about your venture?
Founded in France, we have launched UK and Australia versions in 2015. We have also launched the same concept for cyclists (Cycling Heroes) and skiiers (Skiing Heroes) a few months ago. We also do connected races with brands, NGOs, large corporate and races like UNICEF (teamUNICEFworldrun.org), Accenture and Lufthansa.
Bonus Questions:
If you were stuck on a desert island with any three athletes, who would they be and why?
Paavo Nurmi, Haile Gebresselassie and Kilian Jornet. Three legends of three periods of running who would teach me so much about my passion.
If you were to invite any CEO to dinner who would it be and why?
Nike CEO Mark Parker. We could share so many interesting things about sports, digital & lifestyle!