World champion Toni Kroos becomes an investor in soccer start-up Prematch

Prematch gains another prominent investor in Toni Kroos and focuses on synergies between the platform and the Toni Kroos Academy

Cologne, April 9, 2025 - The Cologne-based startup Prematch has gained a prominent investor: Toni Kroos, world champion and six-time Champions League winner, is joining the company as an investor. Prematch is a data-driven community platform that enables over 50 million active soccer players, coaches and fans in Germany and England (more than 2.8 billion worldwide) to experience "their" soccer up close and interact with each other.

Kroos' investment is a significant milestone for Prematch, which has experienced rapid growth since its foundation. The platform is already used by 98% of German soccer teams. Prematch has also been available in England since September 2024, where the app was ranked second in the AppStore. The exact amount of the investment was not disclosed, but it is an equity investment. Since its foundation, Prematch has received a total of more than 6 million euros in funding.

Synergies between Prematch and the Toni Kroos Academy

Kroos not only brings capital, but also valuable synergies for the further development of Prematch. The world champion sees great potential in youth soccer in particular. He himself is involved in the Toni Kroos Academy in Madrid, which offers young footballers coaching and training at the highest level. "Amateur soccer is played with just as much passion as professional soccer," says Kroos. "Prematch has the opportunity to professionalize and support this area with data. This is a great opportunity."

Amateur soccer is played with just as much passion as professional soccer. Prematch has the opportunity to professionalize and support this area with data. This is a great opportunity.

Toni Kroos, soccer world champion

Data as the key to success

Prematch relies on the use of data to professionalize amateur soccer. "This doesn't yet exist to this extent in amateur soccer," explains Kroos. The platform gives players and coaches access to valuable data that is otherwise only available in professional soccer. This combination of a large user base and innovative technology not only convinces Kroos, but also many other investors and partners such as Gatorade and Adidas.

Having Toni on board is outstanding. His experience and his strong connection to youth soccer will help us enormously.

Lukas Röhle, Co-Founder Prematch

This is not the first investment by top footballers for Prematch. We reported on an investment by investment by Serge Gnabry, David Raum and the family office of Jürgen Klopp 2023as well as a successful round of over 2.4 million euros. The platform enables players and coaches to improve their performance and deepen their soccer experience.