ChessRoute
Live Online Chess Training with Real Coaches & Measurable Progress
From random games to a structured path from 800 to 2000 rating – with a real coach and data-driven training.
The Problem
Chess is everywhere. Structured improvement is not.
Our Solution
Live coaches + structured plans + data-driven progress
Vetted Chess Coaches
Professional coaches for 1:1 and small-group lessons. Quality verified, schedules synced, payments handled.
Personalized Training Plans
Individual plans based on your rating, goals, and game history. Not generic content – your personal route.
Progress Analytics
Rating change tracking, mistake patterns analysis, openings/endgames heatmaps. See exactly where you're improving.
Clear Reports
Automatic summaries for adult learners and parents: What did we work on? What improved? What's next?
MVP Product
Everything needed to start structured chess training
Smart Profiles
Students & coaches with ratings, languages, time zones, reviews
Smart Matching
Find the right coach by level, budget, schedule and goals
Scheduling & Payments
Built-in calendar, rescheduling, secure payments
Game Import
Upload/import games from any platform
AI Analysis
Automated analysis of mistakes and patterns
Tasks & Homework
Coach assigns exercises, student tracks completion
Target Market
High-intent learners willing to pay for structured improvement
👨💼 Adult Improvers
- Rating 800–1700, want to break through plateaus
- Age 25–45, working professionals
- US/UK/EU markets primarily
- Willing to pay for self-development hobbies
- Searching: "online chess lessons", "online chess course"
👨👩👧 Parents of Kids
- Children ages 7–16
- Looking for structured, safe, educational training
- Want clear progress visibility
- Searching: "online chess classes for kids", "chess tutor"
- Higher lifetime value per family
Business Model
B2C-first with strong unit economics
Competition & Our Edge
Focused on structured coaching, not just content
| Feature | Chess.com / Lichess | Ad-hoc Coach Marketplaces | ChessRoute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play chess online | ✓ Excellent | ✗ No | ○ Integrated |
| Video content library | ✓ Huge | ✗ No | ○ Curated |
| Live coaching | ○ Basic listings | ✓ Yes | ✓ Vetted coaches |
| Structured training plans | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Personalized |
| Progress analytics | ○ Basic stats | ✗ No | ✓ AI-powered |
| Parent reports | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Automatic |
🎯 Narrow Focus
Live coaching + measurable progress. Not trying to be another content platform.
🤖 Data Layer
AI-assisted analysis that makes coaches more effective, not replaces them.
📈 Marketing DNA
Team with strong performance marketing expertise for efficient global acquisition.
Go-to-Market Strategy
Performance marketing + coach partnerships
Launch & Validation
- → English-only, US/UK/EU adult improvers and parents
- → Google Ads on high-intent keywords
- → "online chess lessons / classes / coach / course"
- → Partnerships with titled coaches (FM/IM/GM)
- → Chess influencer collaborations
- → Early success stories and case studies
Scale & Expand
- → Expand to more languages and geographies
- → Add cohort-based courses
- → "From 1200 to 1600 in 12 weeks"
- → School and club B2B packages
- → Referral programs for coaches and students
- → AI assistant for exercises and drills
Team
Marketing expertise meets chess mastery
[Your Name]
Background in digital marketing, analytics, and performance advertising (Google Ads, GA4, server-side tracking). Experience running international campaigns and building online tools for businesses.
Ruslan Ponomariov
GM, FIDE World Chess Champion.
Funding & Use of Proceeds
Pre-seed round to build & launch international MVP
MVP Launched
Platform live with core features, iterated based on user feedback
200-300 Students
Paying students + 30-50 active coaches on platform
Unit Economics
Clear metrics and roadmap ready for seed round
Join Us in Building the Future of Chess Learning
ChessRoute – the world's most effective way to learn chess online with real coaches and measurable progress.
