We are a team of experts with diverse training and experience that translates the genetic code for athletes, coaches, and management, providing a scientific basis for optimization decisions.
Chief Executive Officer
Daniel Martin
As CEO of DNAthlete, I bring a deep passion for sports, innovation, precision health, and performance optimization. With a background in strategy, operations, and finance across both startups and established companies, I’m driven by the vision to make cutting-edge genomics accessible and actionable for athletes and health-conscious individuals alike.
Having joined DNAthlete in 2024, I was immediately inspired by the company’s scientific foundation and bold vision: to empower people through truly personalized health insights. Together with our team of scientists, advisors, and partners, I’m committed to building a trusted platform that translates complex data into meaningful outcomes—whether it’s on the track, in the gym, or in everyday life.
My focus lies in scaling our business with integrity, expanding our reach, and delivering world-class, science-backed solutions that redefine how we understand and unlock human potential.
I am a passionate age group Triathlete, so you will find me either swimming, cycling, or running and enjoying the time with my wife and dog Bailey.
Chief Medical officer
Professor Dr. Florian Pfab
My enthusiasm for sports is also a common thread running through my life. I began my training in sports medicine during my studies in human medicine.
Further stations in sports medicine included sports orthopedics and radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston/USA), Department of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at the Klinikum Rechts der Isar of the TU Munich, FC Bayern Munich and FC Ingolstadt, scientific highlights such as my habilitation at the TU Munich (2009), a research fellowship from the German Research Society and a visiting professorship at Harvard Medical School (Boston/USA, 2010/2011).
Today, I have my own practice focused on sports medicine in Munich, head the medical department at Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG, and hold teaching positions at the TU Munich and the University of Regensburg. In addition, I give lectures in sports medicine and publish in international scientific journals.
My motivation? Sports medicine is becoming more and more specialized. Topics such as individualization and prevention are coming more and more to the fore. Due to its scientific progress, genetics is now also ripe to be implemented in elite sports and to lift athletes to a new level of performance. And that's exactly what I enjoy!
Geschäftsführung, Dnathlete Austria
Paul Friedl
Sport has always been my vocation and for some years also my profession. I know the euphoria of winning a title but also the despair after losing 19 games in a row. I can still feel the pressure of the national jersey on my shoulders.
In the meantime, I also know how thin the air is at 8,000 meters and what thoughts accompany you on the trembling beam on the Bergisel ski jump. During and after my studies, sport shaped my life and is still an essential part of my current professional life.
Helping athletes to realize their lifelong dream is what drives me.
Geschäftsführung, Dnathlete Austria
Dietmar Karner
I grew up as a city kid and first ran after the ball on "ghetto courts" - only to realize at some point that it's also possible to do it less bloody.
In typical Austrian fashion, this realization matured in dance school. The change to sport dancing came rather coincidentally, but then all the more intensively: I experienced my greatest successes in Latin American formation dancing with 2 world championship and one European championship participation.
Today I take it easier: Jogging and yoga are the perfect balance for a business administration graduate who is responsible for sales and organization at DNAthlete AG.
Genetik, dnathlete austria
Priv.Doz. Dr. Thomas Kocher
Now I finally have the opportunity to combine my profession, hobby and passion. At the age of 5 I was already playing club soccer and then went through all the youth soccer selection teams and managed to gain a foothold in adult soccer (highest amateur league in Austria).
I also worked as a coach for 2 years in youth soccer. Alongside soccer, I started studying genetics, which I completed with a doctorate. This was followed in 2022 by my habilitation at the Private Medical University of Salzburg. Today I'm head of human genetics at DNAthlete.
I know from my own experience that it's the little things and details that can make the difference between success and failure in sport.
Bioinformatik, Dnathlete Austria
Marc Nowakowski MSc
The question of what defines the human being in its depth is at the center of my work. With a background in cognitive sciences, the focus lies on the interplay of thinking, feeling, and biological foundations — especially where modern data analysis opens up new perspectives. At DNAthlete, this understanding flows into bioinformatics.
In this field of tension between science, technology, and human reality, I am fascinated by the subtle differences, patterns, and potentials.
I find balance outdoors — in the mountains, on explorations through new places, or simply in conversation with people who see the world from different perspectives.