Bioniq has scored a second investment from a star footballer as the London-based health tech group accelerates its growth.
The firm has courted Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, who joins fellow Portuguese footballer and ex-United striker Cristiano Ronaldo among its latest shareholders.
Dalot, who plays in the full-back position for United and the Portuguese national team, has invested €1m (£840,000) in Bioniq, which develops personalised health products and supplements.
The health-conscious startup, founded in 2019, secured funding from Dalot’s former club and current national teammate last year in an angel investment that brought its valuation up to $82m.
The company has since leaned heavily on its connection with the football legend in its marketing, prominently featuring endorsements from Ronaldo on its website.
“Diogo has an exceptional approach to performance optimisation and recovery, constantly seeking the most effective and scientifically backed methods to enhance his physical and cognitive capabilities,” said Bioniq founder and CEO Vadim Fedotov.
“His dedication to craft and commitment to maximising potential makes him a perfect fit for Bioniq. He shares our vision and mission, recognising that the future of health lies in precision, personalisation, and efficacy.”
The Bioniq founder comes from an athletic background himself, having previously played for the German national basketball team.
As an entrepreneur, he has raised over $40m, with backers including HV Capital, Unbound, OKS Group and Medsi Group.
Financial backing from the football stars will be seen as a mark of confidence in the startup’s nutrition products, though premier league players don’t always make the best investors.
In 2023 Oja, a food tech startup backed by Arsenal’s Raheem Sterling, shut down after reports of unpaid suppliers and staff.
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