A Chelsea football star, a Formula 1 team owner, and the CEO of a major running brand are among a group of high-profile investors backing a new artificial intelligence platform described as a 'Strava for motorsport'.
Star-Studded Funding Round for Racing Tech
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who is also a co-owner of the Alpine F1 racing team, has participated in a significant $5 million funding round for the AI-driven platform Track Titan. He is joined by Martin Hoffman, the Chief Executive of the running brand On, and Roger Ehrenberg, an Alpine investor who runs Game Changers Ventures.
The investment was co-led by venture capital funds Partech and Ehrenberg's Game Changers. Other notable backers include NHL ice hockey athlete Colton Parayko. Furthermore, early supporter APX, a joint venture between Porsche and Axel Springer, has increased its stake in the company.
From Gaming Simulator to Real Track
Founded by gamer-turned-professional racing driver Max Teichert in 2021, Track Titan uses artificial intelligence to analyse and coach users on popular racing simulations such as EA's F1 series and iRacing. The platform has already attracted a community of more than 200,000 users.
Teichert, who successfully transitioned from virtual racing to professional driving, believes the tool can help other amateurs make the same leap. "Beating your friends on a football video game is nothing like playing in the Premier League," he explained. "But racing a virtual Porsche around a digital Silverstone actually requires many of the same skills you need to excel on a real track."
Footballers Expanding Investment Portfolios
Trevoh Chalobah is the latest in a growing line of Premier League footballers exploring venture investment. His foray follows moves by other England internationals, including former Tottenham captain Harry Kane's backing of sustainable sportswear brand Reflo. Meanwhile, John Stones and Trent Alexander-Arnold have invested in the new golf league TGL and Alpine F1 respectively.
For Track Titan, the new capital will help scale its technology and community. "Our ambition is to be the Strava for motorsport – a rich community where people can further their passion for racing whilst building a true sense of belonging," Teichert stated. "Having these investors on board means we can unlock a new level for this technology."
