A new startup called Sperm Racing has raised $1 million led by Karatage, with participation from Figment Capital and Karman to launch what they describe as the world’s first live sperm racing competition, with the inaugural event scheduled for April 25 in Los Angeles. The event will feature a USC versus UCLA-style battle, with tickets going on sale April 15.
According to reports from Traded, the startup was founded by four entrepreneurs: Eric Zhu (Thor Ventures, Aviato), Nick Small (crypto founder), Shane Fan (Waterfall Market), and Garret Niconienko (Vertical Media, ex-MrBeast team).
The concept transforms male fertility testing into a competitive sport by creating microscopic racetracks that mimic the reproductive system, complete with chemical signals, fluid dynamics, and synchronized starts. High-resolution cameras will track the movement of competing sperm samples in real-time, with the races livestreamed to audiences who can view stats, leaderboards, and instant replays.
“Male fertility is declining. Like, a lot. It’s happening quietly, steadily, and nobody’s really talking about it,” states the company’s manifesto. They highlight that sperm motility—how fast sperm moves—is a significant factor in fertility that is “measurable, trackable, and just like running a race or lifting a weight, it’s something you can actually improve.”
The actual competition will work similarly to traditional races, with the first sperm to cross the finish line declared the winner. The outcome will be verified by advanced imaging technology. Beyond the race itself, Sperm Racing plans to incorporate elements of traditional sporting events, including press conferences, weigh-ins, and play-by-play commentary.
The company is also creating a betting market where fans can wager on competitors. “Whether it’s athletes or celebrities, imagine backing your icon in the weirdest, most entertaining event you’ve ever seen,” notes their website.
Despite the unconventional approach, the founders emphasize a serious underlying purpose. “Sperm Racing isn’t just about racing sperm (although, let’s be honest, that’s hilarious). It’s about turning health into a competition. It’s about making male fertility something people actually want to talk about, track, and improve,” according to founder Eric Zhu.
The team behind the startup claims experience in creating viral brands, managing campaigns, and “turning ideas into cultural moments.” They position the initiative as both entertainment and health advocacy, aiming to transform how people think about and engage with male fertility.
“We’re taking a topic no one wants to touch and making it interesting, measurable, and weirdly changing this paradigm,” their website states. “Because health is a race. And everyone deserves a shot at the starting line.”
