Truetape

What Truetape does

Truetape (True Tape Sports GmbH) is a Munich-based, privately held sports medicine self-care brand that designs, markets, and distributes pre-cut kinesiology tapes, rigid sport tapes, self-adherent bandages (Haftbandage), grid-pattern crosstape patches, Portuguese-cork fascia massage tools (TRUETOOLS), and CGM sensor patches. Its core technical proposition is a pre-cut rounded-strip format (20 strips of 25cm × 5cm per roll) using high-elasticity materials — 96% rayon/artificial silk with up to 190% elasticity in the premium line and 97% cotton with up to 170% elasticity in the Basic line — bonded with hypoallergenic medical acrylic adhesive and CE-certified under the EU Medical Device Directive. Products are manufactured in South Korea (premium tapes, crosstapes, sensor patches) and China (basic uncut tapes, sport tapes, bandages), and are paired with a content library of over 50 free video and photo tutorials developed with physicians and physiotherapists to enable self-application at home.

The company serves three core customer segments: recreational athletes and hobby sports enthusiasts seeking self-treatment for musculoskeletal complaints (the primary segment), professional athletes and sports organizations (validated via Swiss Ski supplier status and Felix Neureuther ambassadorship), and general consumers with everyday complaints such as desk-related neck and back pain. Truetape monetizes through one-time unit-priced hardware sales (price points €3.95–€28.90) distributed across a multi-channel European network: its own DTC storefront (truetape.de), Amazon marketplaces in roughly 19 European countries, German drugstore chains (DM, Rossmann, Müller Drogerie, Globus), Austrian and Swiss sports retailers (Hervis Sport, Gigasport, Ochsner Sport), and online pharmacies (docmorris, shop-apotheke, medpex, zurrose). Marketing is content-led, driven by YouTube tutorials, organic social media, an email newsletter on Klaviyo, and professional-athlete endorsements.

Truetape was founded in 2015 by brothers Fabian and Dr. Dominik Winter after Fabian suffered an ACL rupture in a skiing accident and was dissatisfied with available kinesiology tape products. The brothers retain full ownership with no disclosed institutional investors. Headcount is 1–10 employees, no funding rounds have been disclosed, and revenue is not publicly reported. The brand has built incremental credibility through a Medical Advisory Board (including Dr. Lutz Graumann of the German Ice Hockey team and Prof. Dr. Stefan Buchmann of TU Munich) and the TRUETAPE® registered trademark. The product portfolio has expanded methodically from kinesiology tape (2015) to fascia tools (2022) and CGM sensor patches (2023), indicating a controlled, category-adjacent expansion strategy rather than aggressive scaling.

Name

Truetape

Legal name

True Tape Sports GmbH

Website

https://truetape.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Truetape is a Munich-based D2C brand that designs and sells pre-cut kinesiology tapes, sport tapes, self-adherent bandages, crosstape patches, fascia tools, and CGM sensor patches to recreational athletes and general consumers seeking at-home self-treatment for musculoskeletal complaints across DACH and ~19 European countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sports Medicine Tapes and Bandages

NAICS

Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391)

SIC

Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949), Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Recovery, Mobility & Therapy Accessories Retail (Foam Rollers, Massage Guns, Braces, Taping) (CRAMADAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Rehabilitation Therapy Equipment (PT/OT Modalities, Exercise & Balance Devices) (HLAHAMAG)

Keywords

• Kinesiology tape products
• Sports medicine supplies
• Self-adhesive bandages
• Fascia massage tools
• Athletic taping products

Headquarters

HQ city

München

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Kinesiology Tape Products: Direct sales of kinesiology tapes, sports tapes, crosstapes, and bandages through e-commerce, Amazon, and partner retailers. One-time purchase model with products sold as individual rolls or duo packs.
2. FasciTools (TRUETOOLS): Sales of fascia rollers and balls made from Portuguese cork for self-massage and recovery applications.
3. Sensor Patches: Patches for CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) sensors to extend sensor wear time and protect from detachment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Truetape manufactures and sells pre-cut kinesiology tapes, rigid sport tapes, self-adhesive bandages, crosstape grid patches, CGM sensor patches, and cork fascia massage tools. The company's core differentiator is pairing its physical products with over 50 free video and photo tutorials developed by physicians and physiotherapists, enabling safe self-application at home without professional assistance.

Product overview

TRUETAPE is a Munich-based sports medicine self-care company offering a portfolio of kinesiology tapes, sports tapes, self-adherent bandages, crosstapes, and fascia massage tools (TRUETOOLS) for at-home use. The core range consists of two kinesiology tape lines: the high-performance TRUETAPE (96% rayon, up to 190% elasticity) available in Precut and Precut Duo formats, and the everyday TRUETAPE Basic (cotton, up to 170% elasticity) available in Precut, Uncut, Precut Duo, Uncut Duo, and Basic Big (extra-wide 10cm uncut) formats. The portfolio also includes a Basic Kit trial pack, Sporttape (rigid non-elastic cotton tape for joint stabilization), a 5cm Haftbandage (self-adherent bandage), a 2.5cm Fingerverband (finger bandage), three Crosstape sizes (Mix Big with 130 patches, Mix Small with 42 patches, and Crosstape L with 36 large patches), a Sensorpatch for CGM sensor protection, and the TRUEROLL and TRUEBALL cork fascia massage tools. All products are supported by a library of over 50 free video and photo taping instructions developed by physicians and physiotherapists. Products are CE-certified and backed by a medical advisory board.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TRUETOOLS: Fascia massage tools including TRUEROLL (standard and mini) and TRUEBALL (standard, mini, and maxi) made from Portuguese cork, for self-massage and muscle recovery.
• CROSSTAPE
• HAFTBANDAGE

Products and services

• TRUETAPE Precut High-performance kinesiology tape made from 96% rayon with up to 190% elasticity, pre-cut into 20 strips of 25cm x 5cm with rounded corners. Features hypoallergenic medical acrylic adhesive and CE certification. Priced at €15.90 per roll.
• TRUETAPE Precut Duo Duo pack containing 2 rolls of TRUETAPE Precut high-performance kinesiology tape (96% rayon), each with 20 precut 25cm x 5cm strips, delivered in blue and black. Priced at €28.90 for 2 rolls.
• TRUETAPE Basic Cotton-based kinesiology tape made from 97% cotton with up to 170% elasticity, positioned as an everyday tape for casual athletes and office workers. Available in 4 colors and as precut or uncut rolls. Priced at €8.90 per roll.
• TRUETAPE Basic Duo Duo pack containing 2 rolls of TRUETAPE Basic cotton kinesiology tape, each with 20 precut 25cm x 5cm strips in blue and black. Offers up to 170% elasticity at an everyday price point. Priced at €16.90 for 2 rolls.
• TRUETAPE Basic Uncut Uncut cotton kinesiology tape, 5m x 5cm roll, allowing users to cut tape to custom lengths. Priced at €7.90 per 5m roll.
• TRUETAPE Basic Uncut Duo Duo pack with 2 rolls of TRUETAPE Basic Uncut cotton kinesiology tape (5m x 5cm each) for custom tape cutting at a value price.
• TRUETAPE Basic Big Uncut Extra-wide cotton kinesiology tape, 10cm wide, uncut 5m roll with up to 170% elasticity, designed for large muscle groups such as back, thigh, calf, and glutes. Priced at €14.90 per 5m roll.
• TRUETAPE Basic Kit Blue Introductory cotton kinesiology tape kit containing 10 precut 25cm x 5cm strips, priced for trial use and sold exclusively through retail partners Rossmann and DM in Germany. Priced at €3.95.
• Sporttape Rigid, non-elastic cotton sports tape (3.8cm wide, 10m per roll, 6 rolls per pack) with skin-friendly thermoplastic adhesive. Used for joint immobilization, stabilization, and prevention of injuries such as ankle sprains. Tearable by hand, sweat-resistant, and water-resistant. Priced at €18.90 for 6 rolls.
• Haftbandage Self-adhesive bandage (latex-free, non-woven polypropylene + 3% elastane) that adheres only to itself, not to skin or hair. 5cm wide, 4.5m per roll, 12 rolls per pack in 4 colors. Water-resistant and breathable, ideal for joint stabilization, bandage fixation, and pet first aid. Priced at €15.90 for 12 rolls.
• Fingerverband Narrow self-adhesive bandage (2.5cm wide, 4.5m per roll, 8 rolls per pack) for stabilizing small joints, tendons, and ligaments in fingers and toes. Also used for plaster fixation and skin protection during climbing or weightlifting. Priced at €9.90 for 8 rolls.
• Crosstape Mix Big Grid-pattern adhesive patches (80% polyester, 15% polyurethane, 5% acrylic adhesive) for application on trigger points, tension knots, and scars. The Mix Big contains 130 patches in 3 sizes (72x S, 34x M, 16x L). Water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and latex-free. Priced at €10.90.
• Crosstape L Large-size crosstape patch, 36 grid patches per pack, designed for application on large muscle groups (back, thigh, knee) or large joints (ankle). Priced at €9.90.
• TRUEROLL Mini Mini fascia massage roller made from Portuguese cork for targeted treatment of small or thin muscle groups such as the forearm, sole of the foot, or shoulder.
• TRUEROLL Standard-size fascia massage roller made from Portuguese cork for large and medium-sized flat muscles such as the thigh or back.
• TRUEBALL Mini Mini fascia massage ball made from Portuguese cork for treating small muscles such as the neck or sole of the foot.
• TRUEBALL Standard-size cork fascia massage ball suitable for most muscle groups. Made from Portuguese cork oak.
• TRUEBALL Maxi Large-size cork fascia massage ball for larger muscle groups such as the glutes or back. Made from Portuguese cork oak.
• Sensorpatch Elastic cotton patch (9.5 x 8cm) designed to extend the wear of CGM sensors such as Freestyle Libre 1, 2 & 3, Dexcom G6, and Medtronic sensors. Holds sensors through sports and water activities without interfering with sensor signal.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Swiss SkicoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial supplier of TRUETAPE products to the Swiss national ski team. Physiotherapist René van Engelen serves on TRUETAPE's Medical Board and works with the men's speed team including Beat Feuz, Carlo Janka, Mauro Caviezel, and Niels Hintermann.
• Felix NeureuthercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSki world champion Felix Neureuther serves as brand ambassador. He appears in product photography and promotional materials, demonstrating TRUETAPE usage.
• docmorris.deminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline pharmacy partner distributing TRUETAPE products in Germany.
• shop-apotheke.deminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline pharmacy partner distributing TRUETAPE products in Germany.
• medpex.deminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline pharmacy partner distributing TRUETAPE products in Germany.
• sport-thieme.deminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSports equipment retailer distributing TRUETAPE products in Germany.
• bergzeit.deminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMountain sports retailer distributing TRUETAPE products in Germany.
• 11teamsports.comminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTeam sports retailer distributing TRUETAPE products.
• sport-bittl.comminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSports retailer distributing TRUETAPE products in Germany.
• Ochsner SportminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss sports retailer and online shop distributing TRUETAPE products in Switzerland.
• zurrose.chminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss online pharmacy and retailer distributing TRUETAPE products.
• Hervis SportminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustrian sports retailer distributing TRUETAPE products.
• GigasportminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustrian sports retailer distributing TRUETAPE products.
• Müller DrogerieminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman drugstore chain distributing TRUETAPE products in physical stores.
• GlobusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman department store chain distributing TRUETAPE products.
• DM DrogerieminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman drugstore chain distributing TRUETAPE Basic Kit products in physical stores.
• RossmannminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman drugstore chain distributing TRUETAPE Basic Kit products.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• RockTape: RockTape sells kinesiology tape and taping education courses to athletes, trainers, and clinicians. It overlaps directly with Truetape on sports taping products and content-led GTM.
• StrengthTape: StrengthTape offers pre-cut kinesiology tape kits targeted at fitness and CrossFit users with a self-application focus. It is a close peer in product format and target buyer.
• KT Tape: KT Tape is one of the largest consumer kinesiology tape brands, offering pre-cut strips targeted at runners and gym-goers with an education-heavy content strategy. It is a direct competitor to Truetape's pre-cut self-application positioning in DACH and across Europe.
• Blackroll: Blackroll is the leading European foam roller and fascia training brand, closely comparable to Truetape's TRUETOOLS fascia rollers and balls line. Both brands target self-massage and recovery for recreational athletes in the DACH region.
• Kinesio: Kinesio is the originator of the Kinesio Taping Method and the dominant legacy brand in elastic therapeutic tapes. It sells pre-cut and roll kinesiology tapes for athletic and clinical use and competes head-on with Truetape across both professional and self-application use cases.
• SpiderTech: SpiderTech sells pre-cut, application-specific kinesiology tape 'spiders' designed for self-application to common body parts. It is highly comparable to Truetape's pre-cut rounded strip approach.

Broad incumbents

• Leukoplast (Essity): Leukoplast is an established medical tape and bandage brand owned by Essity, sold through pharmacies and clinical channels. It is a broader incumbent in adhesive bandages and fixation products where Truetape also competes with Haftbandage and Sporttape.
• Mueller Sports Medicine: Mueller is a long-established, broad-line sports medicine brand selling athletic tape, braces, and wraps across global sporting goods retail. It is a broader incumbent competing in the same category with wider SKU breadth and deeper shelf penetration.
• TriggerPoint Performance: TriggerPoint is a major recovery and self-massage brand selling foam rollers, massage balls, and percussion devices. It overlaps with Truetape's TRUETOOLS fascia tools on category and use case.
• 3M Health Care: 3M is a global medical device and consumer health conglomerate whose tape and bandage portfolio competes broadly with Truetape in pharmacies and retail. As a deep-pocketed incumbent, it sets category price benchmarks and can disrupt smaller D2C tape brands.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights1 record

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Truetape