The former sporting director and Austria Vienna captain brings Champions League experience, club leadership expertise, and a strong international network to the next growth phase of the Viennese sports tech company.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA — 06/08/2026 — Viennese football AI company zone14, which provides professional video analysis, AI-powered match data, and automated insights for clubs, announces a prominent new addition: Manuel Ortlechner is now part of the company. This brings together the experience of a defining personality in Austrian football and the technological expertise of zone14.
Ortlechner, who wore the number 14 during his active playing days with Wiener Austria, is strengthening zone14 in the midst of its international expansion phase. As a former national team player, Bundesliga champion, Champions League participant, and later sporting director, he combines a rare mix of sporting excellence, locker room insider knowledge, and strategic club management from his time in top-flight football.
The former Bundesliga professional thus expands an already star-studded group of investors: In addition to Ortlechner, big names from the startup and tech scene are already betting on zone14“s growth – including Runtastic founders Alfred Luger and Christian Kaar, Wolfgang Reisinger (Tractive), as well as Tim Moser (GET, ELF), Silke Greiner, Christian Kranebitter (BE-Terna) and Philipp Omenitsch. ”We are currently growing primarily through expansion into new markets, and we've been in talks with Manuel for a long time. He will help us immensely with his expertise and network," says Schmiderer, Co-CEO of zone14.
A new perspective for the future of football analytics
For zone14, Ortlechner's involvement means enormous strategic added value. He brings a deep understanding of the needs of clubs at all levels – from the training pitch and video analysis to the decision-making bodies where squad planning, scouting, and player development are decided.
Lukas Grömer, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of zone14, explains: „Manuel brings exactly the enthusiasm for football, paired with leadership and team spirit, that we at zone14 greatly appreciate. He has performed at the highest level and, as a former sporting director, understands precisely what clubs truly need to develop further - from the pitch to the management level. As we grow strongly internationally, his joining is a milestone and a strong signal. His credibility and network are invaluable to us.“
Pro Insights for All Levels
zone14 has developed an integrated ecosystem for AI-based football analysis, making insights previously only available to the absolute world elite accessible to every club. In addition to automated AI camera technology and video analysis software, the system delivers player-based running data directly via the camera image for the first time – completely without costly wearables or trackers on the players' bodies.
Following its successful expansion into Germany and Croatia, Ortlechner will support the team in building deeper partnerships within the football world, from professional academies to ambitious youth and lower league clubs.
Manuel Ortlechner on his entry: „Throughout my entire career, I've seen how crucial details are in football. The right video and precise data can make the difference between victory and defeat for players and coaches. What immediately convinced me about zone14: the technology is absolutely practical, intuitive, and built for the reality of football clubs. The team operates at the highest level, and I look forward to helping bring this Austrian innovation to even more clubs internationally.“
With Manuel Ortlechner, the circle closes with the brand name: the legendary number 14 is now part of zone14 – and the next chapter of the company's history begins.
About zone14
zone14 is a leading Vienna-based sports tech startup that provides professional video analysis and player data for clubs, coaches, and athletes of all performance levels. The ecosystem includes AI-powered camera technology, automated live streaming, intuitive analysis software, and automated player statistics. Thanks to intelligent tracking algorithms, no wearables or additional hardware on the players' bodies are necessary.
About Manuel Ortlechner
Manuel Ortlechner is a former Austrian national football player and long-time captain of FK Austria Wien. In his active career, he made over 200 competitive appearances for the „Violets,“ celebrated the Austrian championship title in the 2012/13 season, and played in the UEFA Champions League. After his active career, he remained loyal to football in strategic leadership roles, including as a TV expert, start-up founder, and as Sporting Director for Austria Wien.
Contact for queries:
Simon Schmiderer | Co-CEO
Tel: +43 699 19531651
Email: simon@zone14.ai