The Profluence Pod 🌐

Lucra Sports is redefining gamification in sports, entertainment, and media. As a venture-backed startup, Lucra provides innovative engagement solutions for consumer platforms, live events, and media companies, transforming the way fans interact with their favorite sports.

Michael, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, brings a wealth of experience from Goldman Sachs, where he worked in investment banking and corporate strategy. He played a key role in launching GS Accelerate, the firm’s global incubator, and has a strong background in scaling startups and driving business growth.

Lucra has raised over $25 million to revolutionize social betting and fan engagement, positioning itself at the forefront of the rapidly evolving sports tech landscape.

Chapters:

5:51 - Fundraising Insights and Strategies

11:12 - Product Evolution and User Engagement

14:30 - Industry Trends in Fan Engagement

25:09 - Entity Structure and Investor Preferences

27:08 - Team Growth: Full-time vs. Fractional Employees

32:04 - Partnership Development and Networking

38:10 - Pricing Strategies and Market Positioning

Michael Madding: 

🏠 Website: https://www.lucrasports.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-madding-13ba9522/

Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber:

Website: https://profluence.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/;  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

This month’s panel explored the rapidly evolving landscape of racquet sports, highlighting key investment trends, technological advancements, and the growing influence of community-driven initiatives. As racquet sports like padel, pickleball, and tennis continue to surge in popularity, industry leaders are shaping the future with innovative strategies and bold investments.

Key topics included the rise of padel and its investment potential, technological innovations in racquet sports, the role of community and social engagement, market trends, and the revitalization of sports infrastructure.

The panel featured insights from:
🎙️ CiCi Bellis – Former Professional Tennis Player
🎙️ Robyn Duda – Co-founder, RacquetX
🎙️ Marcus Jansson-Ryan – CEO, EEP Capital

Chapters:
6:02 - The Rise of Padel and Investment Opportunities
8:58 - Technological Advances in Racquet Sports
12:12 - Community and Social Aspects of Racquet Sports
14:52 - Market Trends and Brand Collaboration
21:15 - Public Access and Local Government Involvement
27:39 - Revitalizing Racquet Sports Infrastructure
33:09 - Exploring Emerging Racquet Sports
39:05 - Investment Trends in Racquet Sports
46:04 - Innovations in Racquet Sports Technology
48:06 - Global Perspectives on Racquet Sports Adoption

🔗 Connect with the Panelists:
CiCi Bellis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cici-bellis-750926182/
Robyn Duda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynduda/
Marcus Jansson-Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansson-ryanmarcus/

🎙️ Hosts:
Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber
🏠 Website: https://profluence.com
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash
💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Petcash | Scott Garber

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to hit “follow” to stay updated on future podcasts.

IMG Academy is the world’s leading sports education brand, serving over 150,000 student-athletes and 40,000 coaches annually through its boarding school, camps, online coaching, and recruiting services. Under the leadership of CEO Brent Richard, IMG Academy has evolved from a campus-based institution into a global powerhouse shaping the next generation of elite athletes.

Brent Richard’s vision is to make IMG Academy’s life-changing experiences accessible to student-athletes worldwide, ensuring that sports remain a platform for growth, education, and opportunity. In 2023, he spearheaded IMG Academy’s acquisition by Nord Anglia & EQT for $1.25B, securing a future of expanded resources, scholarships, and digital scale. 

From leading $5 billion+ in sports deals at Endeavor to co-founding The Raine Group, Brent Richard has been at the forefront of sports, media, and entertainment investments. In this episode, we dive into the future of youth sports, NIL’s impact on student-athletes, and how AI & women’s sports are shaping the next era of sports education.

Chapters:

(01:10) - Introduction to IMG Academy

(03:32) - Brent's Journey & Evolution

(08:55) - The Evolution of IMG Academy

(16:13) - Youth Sports Landscape & Trends

(21:55) - NIL & Its Impact on Student-Athletes

(27:21) - Future Trends: AI & Women's Sports

Brent Richard:

🌎 Website:IMGAcademy.com

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-richard-5808b34/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter:https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Balltime is the first-ever Volleyball AI platform, trusted by 3,800+ teams worldwide for their video and analytics needs. By fully automating stats and data collection, Balltime provides teams with instant access to crucial performance metrics like serve speed, attack height, jump trajectories, and 3D play visualization—empowering athletes and coaches with game-changing insights.Now, Hudl, a global leader in sports technology, has acquired Balltime, integrating its AI-driven analytics into Hudl’s comprehensive suite of volleyball solutions. Hudl already powers over 300,000 teams worldwide, offering tools to elevate performance, streamline operations, drive recruitment, and engage fans. In 2024 alone, Hudl provided data from nearly half a million volleyball matches, supporting over 40,000 high schools, clubs, colleges, and national teams.With Hudl now serving over 400,000 volleyball users in 79 countries, the impact of AI and real-time video analysis on coaching, scouting, and player development is bigger than ever. The combination of Hudl’s deep sports technology expertise and Balltime’s instant data processing capabilities is pushing volleyball into a new era of precision and innovation.Chapters:(01:23) - The Origin Story of Balltime(04:07) - Building a Community Around Volleyball(06:47) - Hudl’s Role in the Volleyball Market(08:57) - The Future of Volleyball & Technology Integration(11:51) - Understanding the Volleyball Community(15:18) - Navigating the Sports Tech Landscape(17:16) - The Acquisition Journey of Balltime(20:22) - Product Integration & User Experience(24:07) - Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Volleyball & HudlHudl & Balltime:🏠Website: https://www.balltime.com/; https://www.hudl.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-banon-498362a2/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarrynktietjen/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Brandon McCaghren is a pioneer in the Jiu-Jitsu world, being the first to introduce the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system in the Southeastern United States. A well-respected instructor and content creator, Brandon has built a significant online following, with over 150,000 subscribers on both YouTube and Instagram. His influence extends beyond coaching—he’s a color commentator for major Jiu-Jitsu promotions, including ADCC, EBI, and CJJ.

As the creator of the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF), Brandon is transforming Jiu-Jitsu into a structured league, bringing a new level of organization and entertainment to the sport. His mission is to blend professionalism with high-level grappling, creating a competitive ecosystem that appeals to both athletes and fans alike.

Beyond his impact on the competition scene, Brandon runs 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Decatur, an academy recognized as one of the best in the 10th Planet system. He’s also a sought-after seminar instructor, sharing his knowledge with practitioners worldwide.

Chapters:

(01:00) - The Birth of the Professional Grappling Federation

(08:12) - Storytelling in Combat Sports

(12:34) - The Global Expansion & Popularity of Jiu-Jitsu

(15:30) - Educating Newcomers to Jiu-Jitsu

(20:08) - The Pipeline of Jiu-Jitsu Athletes

(22:49) - Understanding the Family of Combat Sports

(24:54) - The Practicality of Jiu-Jitsu in Real Life

(26:46) - Future Trends & Opportunities in Jiu-Jitsu

Brandon McCaghren:

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mccaghren-55568332/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr7VU0Cnef4AhQk7Pe_9nTA

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter:https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

A Baseball Life: Player, GM, Coach, and Innovator

Few people have seen the game of baseball from as many angles as Ruben Amaro Jr.—big league player, general manager, coach, and now, co-founder of Sluggball, a brand-new take on the sport he’s dedicated his life to.

Baseball runs deep in Amaro’s family. His father, Ruben Amaro Sr., was a major leaguer, coach, and scout. After playing eight seasons in MLB, Amaro Jr. transitioned into front-office leadership, becoming GM of the Philadelphia Phillies, where he played a key role in their 2008 World Series championship and led them to another World Series appearance in 2009. He later moved into coaching with the Red Sox and Mets before stepping into broadcasting with NBC Sports and MLB Network.

Now, Amaro is launching Sluggball, a 4-vs-4 situational hitting challenge that removes running and fielding, putting the focus squarely on strategy, precision, and power. With games set to debut in minor league stadiums across multiple states, Sluggball is designed to keep the competitive spirit alive for baseball fans and former players alike.

In this episode, we dive into Amaro’s incredible baseball journey, the evolution of the game, and how Sluggball is introducing a fresh way to experience America’s pastime.

Chapters:

(01:27) - Ruben Amaro Jr.'s Baseball Journey

(04:26) - The Evolution of Baseball and Its Challenges

(06:36) - Introducing Sluggball: A New Baseball Experience

(13:13) - How to Get Involved with Sluggball

(15:11) - Technology Integrated with Sluggball

(18:54) - Event Structures and Spectator Experience

(22:03) - Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

Ruben Amaro Jr.:

🏠 Sluggball Website:https://playsluggball.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-amaro-jr-1a975b196/

Scott Garber: 

🏠 Website:https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

🎧 Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

FlingGolf is transforming golf—making it more active, more fun, and more accessible. Instead of using traditional golf clubs, players use the New Swarm FlingStick to hurl the ball, shaping every shot from tee to hole. The best part? You can play on any golf course, and over 2,000 courses in 37 countries have already embraced it.

The sport was created by Alex Van Alen, Founder & CEO of New Swarm Sports, who has spent his career promoting outdoor recreation and innovative sports experiences. His mission is to bring new energy to the game of golf and make it more inclusive.

Joining him is John Pruellage, President of New Swarm Sports, a seasoned entrepreneur with experience in business development and scaling startups. Formerly a CFO at Navic Networks (acquired by Microsoft) and Founder at Integral Reach (acquired by Tivo), John is now helping to expand FlingGolf worldwide—turning it into a competitive sport with its own league, community, and business model.

Chapters:

(01:50) - The Origin Story of FlingGolf

(06:00) - Building the Community and League

(09:29) - Developing Talent and Competition

(14:23) - Creating a Competitive Experience

(17:28) - The Culture and Attire of FlingGolf

(19:44) - Betting and Engagement in FlingGolf

(21:49) - FlingGolf Business Model

(28:53) - Challenges and Growth as a Founder

(33:35) - Future Plans for the League

Alex Van Alen & John Pruellage: 

🏠 Website:⁠ https://flinggolf.com⁠

💼 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pruellage-43453b38/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-van-alen-40138410/⁠⁠

Scott Garber: 

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/⁠

🎧 Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

At SportsVisio, we are a team of passionate AI-driven software engineers and sports enthusiasts committed to transforming the way athletes and coaches engage with game data. Our technology makes pro-level stat tracking and highlight generation accessible without the need for expensive hardware or complex setups.

Founded by Jason Syversen, a tech entrepreneur, investor, and former DARPA program manager, SportsVisio is at the forefront of AI-powered sports analytics. With a background in cybersecurity, AI, and scaling startups, Jason is leading the charge in bringing cutting-edge AI technology to sports tracking and performance analysis.

As the sports analytics market surges toward $4.6 billion by 2025, AI is playing a major role in automated coaching, recruiting, and player development. SportsVisio is leading this transformation, providing athletes, coaches, and teams with instant, data-driven insights to elevate their game.

Chapters:

(00:40) - Update Progress from Our Last Conversation

02:52) - Evolution of SportsVisio and AI Tech

(05:38) - Expanding into Volleyball: Strategy and Demand

(08:38) - Sales Strategy and Market Relationships

(11:33) - Building Relationships and Networking in Sports Tech

(14:16) - Fundraising Strategies and Investor Relations

(17:17) - Key Elements of a Successful Pitch

(20:04) - Current Trends in Sports Tech

(23:01) - Future Plans and Balancing Focus

Jason Syversen:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://www.sportsvisio.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsyversen/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎧 Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

ALT Sports Data was founded in 2021 to revolutionize alternative sports betting through exclusive data rights, AI-driven trading models, and cutting-edge analytics. As CEO and Founder, Joe Dunnigan leads the company’s mission to provide sportsbooks with new betting markets while unlocking engagement, revenue, and fan growth for emerging sports leagues.

ALT Sports Data is tackling the supply and demand challenges that have limited profitability in the sports betting industry. By leveraging proprietary software, league partnerships, and a growing database of alternative sports, the company is creating new betting opportunities and tapping into an audience of over 83 million potential bettors in the U.S. and more than 1 billion globally.

Joe’s leadership draws from years of experience in corporate strategy, marketing, and the betting industry. His work is reshaping how sports properties and sportsbooks collaborate, offering fresh insights into data-driven decision-making, fan engagement, and the future of sports wagering.

Chapters:

(00:26) - The Genesis of ALT Sports Data

(02:39) - The Demand for Alternative Sports Betting

(04:25) - The Tech Stack Behind Sports Betting

(06:59) - Future Trends in Sports Betting

(08:50) - Emerging Sports and Market Opportunities

(11:23) - Balancing New and Derivative Sports

(13:39) - Affiliate Marketing in Sports Betting

(15:37) - Lessons from Corporate to Startup

(17:17) - Global Perspective on Sports Betting

(19:00) - Leveraging Data Across Sports

(21:25) - The Role of AI in Sports Data

(24:07) - Targeting New Sports Leagues

(25:58) - Structuring Partnerships with Leagues

Joe Dunnigan:

🏠 Website: https://altsportsdata.com

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedunnigan/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎧 Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts

Pete Nakos is a leading College Sports Business Reporter at On3 Sports, where he covers the evolving landscape of NIL, the transfer portal, and private equity's impact on college athletics.

On3 is a premier sports media and technology company dedicated to delivering trusted news, analysis, and data across youth, high school, and college sports. Since its launch in 2021, On3 has played a crucial role in educating fans, athletes, schools, and brands about the rapidly changing world of NIL and college athletics.

With years of experience covering college sports, Pete has developed a deep understanding of how NIL is reshaping the industry. He closely follows the power shifts in recruiting, the financial incentives driving decisions, and the role of private equity in shaping the future of college athletics. His insights help athletes, coaches, and industry leaders navigate this complex and ever-changing landscape.

Chapters:

(00:26) - Introduction to College Sports and NIL

(02:55) - Evolution of College Sports from 2019 to 2025

(05:40) - Navigating the Transfer Portal and NIL Deals

(08:34) - Key Stakeholders in College Sports

(11:09) - Challenges in the Current College Sports Landscape

(14:07) - Predictions and Insights(16:54) - The Future of College Sports and Player Eligibility

(19:48) - The Impact of Private Equity on NIL

(22:46) - The Role of Education in College Athletics

(28:28) - Advice for Aspiring Sports Media Professionals

Pete Nakos:

💼 On3 Sports: https://www.on3.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-nakos-542a16107/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.