Decathlon has launched Decathlon Pulse, a fully-owned subsidiary aimed at exploring new growth opportunities and accelerating the company’s impact in the sports and wellness market.
Decathlon Pulse is the investment arm and startup studio of Decathlon, focused on building new growth engines and accelerating the company’s mission to move people through the wonders of sport. It invests in and acquires forward-thinking companies that align with Decathlon Group’s strategic goals.
Decathlon Pulse will operate as an independent entity within the Decathlon Group, focusing on three main areas:
1. Building and scaling new ideas and concepts that can create standalone businesses to complement Decathlon’s core activities.
2. Investing in highly innovative companies that could transform the sports ecosystem and promote sustainable business models.
3. Acquiring sports brands and sporting goods distributors that are innovating and leading the industry with new business models.
Franck Vigo has been appointed CEO of Decathlon Pulse, with Barbara Martin Coppola, Decathlon’s Global CEO, serving as Chairwoman.
Since 2018, Decathlon has invested close to 400 million euros in capitalistic partnerships, including investments in startups and small companies, as well as acquiring majority stakes in companies like AllTricks and Bergfreunde. Decathlon Pulse will continue this strategy with a clear roadmap and dedicated teams to drive long-term strategic growth.
“We are thrilled to launch Decathlon Pulse. This marks a significant milestone in our journey to better serving the sporting needs of the customers of tomorrow. Decathlon Pulse is a separate entity, but will be complementary to Decathlon as they work towards the same purpose to ‘Move People Through the Wonders of Sport’. It will be dedicated to finding new growth levers and game-changing innovations in the sports market,” said Barbara Martin Coppola, Decathlon Global CEO and Decathlon Pulse Chairwoman.
Franck Vigo, Decathlon Pulse CEO said, “Today marks an exciting new journey for us as we launch Decathlon Pulse, driven by a passion for sport and a singular vision to continuously enhance our impact on people’s lives. We believe the best way to do so is to build long-term relationships with game-changing companies and people, in which we invest while maintaining their full autonomy to create a better sports industry.”
Decathlon is a global sports brand that caters to athletes of all skill levels. Founded in 1976, Decathlon operates 1,750 stores worldwide with a workforce of 101,000 teammates. The company aims to promote a healthier and happier lifestyle through sport in a sustainable future.
