Summary:
Arris Composites is developing a lightweight carbon-fiber plate for performance gear used by Olympic athletes and expanding into aerospace and consumer markets.
DoTrust is using AI to detect early warning signals for problem gambling and working with US gambling operators to promote responsible gaming.
Bandit is a running apparel brand building a loyal following through content and community-building, capitalizing on the growing trend of running clubs.
Boomerang is disrupting the lost-and-found experience at sports venues, helping stadium operators run more efficiently and fans recover lost items.
Unrivaled is a 3-on-3 professional women's basketball league offering athletes equity and higher salaries, aiming to disrupt traditional pay and ownership models in sports.
Commonwealth allows fans to invest directly in athletes' careers, giving them a cut of earnings and a unique asset class.
13 Sports Startups Revolutionizing the Industry: From Running to Women's Basketball
The sports industry is booming, fueled by investment in innovative startups. Venture capitalists are identifying promising early-stage companies that are disrupting the traditional sports landscape.
This article highlights 13 sports startups that are making waves in 2024:
Tech-Driven Innovation
- Arris Composites: This Berkeley-based company has developed a lightweight carbon-fiber plate for running shoes and other performance gear, attracting attention from investors like ST Engineering and Zebra Technologies. Their technology is not just for sports, but also has applications in the aerospace and consumer markets.
- DoTrust: Addressing the critical issue of responsible gaming, DoTrust provides tools that help operators spot potential problem gamblers early on. With investors like Tekkorp Capital, the company is working with gambling operators in the US to mitigate risks and promote responsible betting.
Community Building and Content
- Bandit: This New York-based apparel brand has built a loyal following by focusing on running communities and providing unique content. Investors like Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez's VCP Ventures are betting on their ability to leverage the growth of running clubs.
- Boomerang: This platform is revolutionizing the lost-and-found experience at sports venues, helping stadium operators run more efficiently and fans recover lost items. Investors like SeventySix Capital are backing their innovative approach to a previously neglected space.
- Mantel: This social network and content platform is designed specifically for collectors, offering a platform for enthusiasts of trading cards, sports memorabilia, comic books, and more. Investors like SevenSevenSix and Wheelhouse Entertainment are backing their vision of creating a vibrant community for collectors.
New Leagues and Models
- Unrivaled: Founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled is a 3-on-3 professional women's basketball league launching in January 2025. They are disrupting traditional models by offering athletes equity in the league and higher average salaries, attracting investors like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe.
- Commonwealth: This platform allows people to invest directly in athletes, offering a unique opportunity to share in their earnings. Investors like Roger Ehrenberg's Eberg Capital are drawn to the platform's ability to connect fans with athletes while offering investors a unique asset class.
- Splash Inc.: This peer-to-peer gaming company, known for RunYourPool.com, is leveraging the power of influencers to create and promote sports contests like survivor pools. Investors like Elysian Park and Acies Investments are supporting their innovative approach to social sports engagement.
Capitalizing on Trends
- C15 Studio: This company powers free, ad-supported streaming channels for sports properties like Formula 1 and ONE Championship, tapping into the growing FAST landscape. Investors like KB Partners are excited about their potential to monetize sports content beyond live events.
- Classic Football Shirts: This company sells vintage and rare soccer jerseys, capitalizing on the sport's growing popularity in the US. Investors like The Chernin Group are backing their expansion into the American market.
- Basketball Forever: This social-first sports content brand is expanding beyond basketball into other sports. Investors like Yolo Investments are betting on their ability to replicate their successful model across different sports.
- ForKeeps: This platform is designed to engage young sports fans with digital collectibles, racing games, and picks challenges. Investors like Signalfire and Galaxy Interactive are supporting their unique approach to connecting with the next generation of sports fans.
- IdPair: This company uses artificial intelligence to analyze betting data across multiple apps and help spot potential problem gambling. Investors like Roger Ehrenberg's Eberg Capital are supporting their work in promoting responsible gaming.
These 13 startups are just a glimpse into the exciting future of sports innovation. VCs are recognizing the potential for disruption, and these companies are poised to reshape the industry in the years to come.
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