GO Ventures Backs SPASH as It Builds Portfolio of High-Growth Technology Companies
GO Ventures, the startup investment arm of the GO Group, has invested in French sports technology company SPASH as it strengthens its portfolio of early-stage businesses with proven demand and international growth potential.
The investment forms part of a €2 million Series A funding round for Lyon-based SPASH, alongside Vessoa Invest, CoopVenture and existing shareholders. Founded in 2018, SPASH develops video, data and analytics technology for amateur sports, with its systems deployed across almost 450 sports centres in France and elsewhere in Europe.
Paul Grech, Head of Investments at GO Ventures, said the investment reflects the venture arm’s evolving strategy since its establishment in 2019.
“We have become much clearer about what we are looking for and, importantly, what makes a good investment for us. Today, we primarily look at Seed and Series A companies that already have a product in the market and are generating revenue,” said Mr Grech, highlighting the importance of founders’ quality, ambition and resilience.
GO Ventures’ portfolio spans artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech and future-of-work technologies, with increasing emphasis on commercial traction rather than any particular sector.
SPASH enables players in sports including padel, tennis and five-a-side football to record and analyse their games, while helping sports centres increase engagement, build communities and improve operations.
The funding will support AI-driven features, new products for padel and other racket sports, team expansion and entry into markets including Italy, Benelux, the UK and the DACH region.
“What attracted us to SPASH was the combination of a strong product, clear market traction and a large opportunity for further growth. Amateur sport is becoming increasingly digital, but much of the technology and data that has transformed professional sport has yet to filter down to the everyday player,” Mr Grech said.
SPASH Co-Founder Tristan Vernay said the investment would help the company accelerate its AI capabilities, develop products for clubs and expand internationally.
“Our mission is to gamify the amateur athlete’s experience while helping clubs strengthen their economics. This funding represents an important step in that journey,” he said.
Mr Vernay added that GO Ventures’ technology and telecommunications background would be valuable as SPASH expands its reach across Europe.
The investment also creates opportunities to draw on the wider GO Group’s technology expertise, operations in Malta and Cyprus, and international relationships. However, Mr Grech emphasised that GO Ventures aims to support portfolio companies without directing their day-to-day operations.
“They know their business better than we do, so we want to be a useful partner rather than tell them how to run their company,” he said.
