🎙Continuing the Global Sports Tech VC Report series, the SportsTech Allstars presents: Mohit Pareek, Principal at  DrakeStar Partners

In this episode, we discuss Mohit's journey in the advisory space, recent transactions in sports tech, and the current state of the market as it transitions into 2024. The conversation highlights the importance of profitability for startups, the dynamics of middle market transactions, and the exciting areas of innovation within sports tech, including fan engagement and AI. Mohit shares insights on the future of DrakeStar and the sports tech industry as a whole.

Takeaways

To learn more, visit: https://www.drakestar.com/ 

Get in touch with Mohit Pareek at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohitpareek/

Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Data & Insights about SportsTech startups and the surrounding ecosystem.

Download the 2024 Global Sports tech VC Report here: sportstechx.com/reports/gstvcr24

Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:45 Mohit's Journey in Sports Tech

06:41 Recent Transactions in Sports Tech

09:29 2024: A Year of Transition

12:45 Importance of Sports Tech in M&A

15:44 Focus on Mid-Market Transactions

18:20 Profitability and Valuation Trends

21:26 Exciting Areas in Sports Tech

24:25 Future Outlook for Drake Star

27:28 Favorite Sporting Moments

🎙️ On another special episode of the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast, we present: Mitch Heath, Founder at Mitch Heath Coaching, Co-Founder at Teamworks and a Start-up Coach, Advisor and Investor.

In this conversation, Mitch Heath shares his journey in the sports tech industry, discussing his role as a co-founder of Teamworks and his current focus on mentoring and investing in emerging sports tech startups. He emphasises the importance of identifying opportunities for efficiency and revenue generation in the sports sector, highlighting innovative companies he has worked with. Mitch also shares key learnings from his early days at Teamworks. The discussion also touches on trends in personalised health and athlete monetization.

Takeaways

To learn more, visit: www.mitchheath.com/

Get in touch with Mitch Heath at: www.linkedin.com/in/mitchheath/

Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Data & Insights about SportsTech startups and the surrounding ecosystem.

Download the 2024 Global Sports tech VC Report here: sportstechx.com/reports/gstvcr24

Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

03:15 Journey in Sports Technology

05:57 Identifying Opportunities in Sports Tech

08:45 Innovative Companies in Sports Tech

12:01 Key Learnings for Startup Founders

17:53 The Importance of Customer Focus

20:39 Trends in Personalized Health and Athlete Monetization

25:22 Networking and Finding Opportunities

27:24 Future Plans

🎙 A special episode to shout out Sport Marke Medien on 2nd and 3rd December which is a part of the leading international sporting goods trade fair ISPO Munich. The Sports Tech Allstars presents: Hendrik Ungelenk, Teamlead for the conferences of the ESB Marketing Networking

In this conversation, Rohn and Hendrik Ungelenk discuss the upcoming Sportmarker Medien event, which aims to bring together leaders in media and brand commercialization within sports. They explore the objectives of the event, the structure of the ESP Marketing Network, and the focus on tech innovation and investment trends in the sports industry. Hendrik shares insights on the event's speakers, successful use cases from the network, and future plans for growth and relevance in the sports marketing landscape.

Get a 20% discount on your ticket with the promo code SMM24_SportsTechX: https://www.sportmarkemedien.com/#stx

Takeaways

To learn more, visit: https://www.sportmarkemedien.com/#stx

Get in touch with Hendrik Ungelenk at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-ungelenk-65b214172/  

Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Data & Insights about SportsTech startups and the surrounding ecosystem.

Download the 2024 Global Sports tech VC Report here: sportstechx.com/reports/gstvcr24

Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

06:45 Overview of ESP Marketing Network

11:46 Event Structure and Key Participants

20:13 Tech Innovation and Investment

🎙Continuing the Global Sports Tech VC Report series, the SportsTech Allstars presents: Lauren Pedersen, CEO at SportAI.

In this conversation, Lauren Pedersen, CEO of Sport AI, discusses the innovative use of AI and computer vision in sports technique analysis, particularly in racket sports. She shares insights on the challenges of traditional coaching methods, the recent funding successes of Sport AI, and the company's vision for expanding into other sports. The discussion also touches on the importance of democratising access to sports coaching, the role of technology in enhancing fan engagement, and the future of AI in sports commentary.

Takeaways

- Sport AI uses AI for technique analysis in sports.

- AI can provide objective feedback for athletes.

- Recent funding includes notable investors like Magnus Carlsen.

- Partnerships with platforms like Matchi enhance user experience.

- AI can personalise equipment recommendations for players.

- Democratising access to coaching is a key goal.

- AI commentary can revolutionise fan engagement in sports.

To learn more, visit: sportai.com

Get in touch with Lauren Pederson at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmartinpedersen/ 

Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Data & Insights about SportsTech startups and the surrounding ecosystem.

Download the 2024 Global Sports tech VC Report here: sportstechx.com/reports/gstvcr24

Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

06:40 Sport AI's Vision

12:18 Innovative Use Cases

21:23 Enhancing Fan Engagement

🎙In lead up to the SportsTech VC Report out early November, we’re kicking off the most awaited investments series. On the first episode, the Sports Tech Allstars presents: Thomas Rudy, Chief Investment Officer at LEAD VC.

In this episode, Rohn speaks with Thomas Rudy about the evolution of LEAD VC's investment strategies in the sports tech ecosystem. They discuss the various funds under LEAD VC, including their focus on health tech and sports innovation, as well as the importance of partnerships with sports organisations. Thomas highlights successful investments like OxyWear and Mustard, and shares insights on current trends in the market, including the merging of sports and health, the future of virtual reality, and the growing significance of women's sports. The conversation concludes with Thomas sharing his excitement for LEAD VC's future growth and upcoming initiatives.

Takeaways

-LEAD VC has evolved from an accelerator to a holistic venture corporation.

-The focus is on investments from pre-seed to Series A and beyond.

-LEAD VC operates multiple funds, including the Lake Nona Fund and the Advantage Fund

-The merging of sports and health is a key trend in the industry.

-Virtual reality faces challenges, while augmented reality is gaining traction.

-Youth sports and women's sports are emerging markets for investment.

To learn more, visit: www.lead.vc/ 

Get in touch with Thomas Rudy at: www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrudy/

Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Data & Insights about SportsTech startups and the surrounding ecosystem.

Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

05:45 Lead VC's Investment Strategy

11:35 Funds and Their Focus Areas

20:06 Success Stories and Market Trends

32:22 Future Directions

🎙For the last episode on sustainability in sports, the SportsTech Allstars Podcast presents: Pierluigi Zacheo, Founder at MyStadium Ltd. 

MyStadium is a Sustainability Consultancy that offers strategic advice for the Sports/Events industry. In this conversation, Rohn and Pierluigii Zacheo discuss the critical role of sustainability in sports, emphasizing the importance of technology and innovation. They explore the definition of sustainability, the various stakeholders involved, and share case studies from Formula E and the NBA. The discussion highlights the complexities of integrating sustainability into operations and the potential of technology, particularly generative AI, to optimize processes and reduce carbon footprints. The conversation concludes with a look at future projects and the importance of aligning with ISO standards for credibility in sustainability efforts.

Takeaways

-Sustainability in sports means creating a circular economy.

-Stakeholders include not just shareholders but also communities and the environment.

-Mapping stakeholders is crucial for understanding their needs.

-Integrating sustainability into operations requires significant effort.

-Sustainability should be part of the organizational culture.

-Data collection is essential for measuring sustainability efforts.

-Generative AI can optimize logistics and reduce emissions.

-ISO standards provide a framework for sustainable event management.

To learn more, visit: https://www.mystadium.net/

Get in touch with Pierluigi Zacheo at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierluigizacheo/

Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Data & Insights about SportsTech startups and the surrounding ecosystem.

Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Sport and Innovation

03:21 Pierluigi Work in Sustainability

05:49 Considering Stakeholders

08:34 Projects and Examples

12:38 Role of Tech in Sustainability

16:07 Creating a Culture of Sustainability

19:48 Opportunities for Innovation and Technology

30:23 Future Plans

32:51 Favorite Sporting Moment

🎙Continuing the focus on sustainability in sports, the SportsTech Allstars Podcast presents: Christian Theil, CEO at turfcoach. 

In this conversation, Rohn and Christian talk about the intersection of technology, sustainability, and sports. They discuss how Turf Coach digitizes pitch conditions to help groundskeepers manage turf more effectively, the importance of pitch quality on game performance, and the company's expansion into other sports. Christian shares insights on sustainability in turf management, future trends, and the innovations Turf Coach is pursuing to enhance their product offerings.

Takeaways

To learn more, visit: www.turf.coach/ 

Get in touch with Christian Theil at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-theil-b87384237/?locale=en_US

Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Data & Insights about SportsTech startups and the surrounding ecosystem.

Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/

🎙Focusing on sustainability in sports for the next few weeks, this SportsTech Allstars Podcast presents: Ioannis Konstantopoulos, Sustainability Advisor at InNews.

This conversation delves into the emerging theme of sustainability in sports, exploring its significance, regulatory landscape, and the role of technology and innovation in driving sustainable practices within sports organisations. Ioannis shares insights on how sports entities are adapting to new regulations, the importance of measuring environmental impacts, and the collaborative efforts between sports organisations and technology providers to enhance sustainability initiatives.

Takeaways

To learn more, visit: www.thesportsfootprint.gr

Get in touch with Ioannis Konstantopoulos at: www.linkedin.com/in/ioannis-konstantopoulos-b7b706140/

Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Data & Insights about SportsTech startups and the surrounding ecosystem.

Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/

🎙 Last on the Esports World Cup series from the New Global Sports Conference, the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents: Andrew Chen, General Partner of Andreessen Horowitz.

Andrew Chen is a General Partner for A16Z GAMES, focused on the intersection of tech and gaming — this includes AI, studios, infrastructure, and consumer apps.

We talk about gaming, fantasy sports and esports in depth. Followed by the things that eSports and gaming could learn from sports to enhance itself, and how storytelling is key in all of it. What are the stories? How do you create that conflict? How do you create these anchor events to bring that together?

Andrew is a prolific writer and for the past decade, he’s written hundreds of essays at andrewchen.com on the topics of startups and user growth. He is the author of the best-selling business book THE COLD START PROBLEM, published by Harper Business, which explores how new startups launch and scale by leveraging network effects. Prior to joining a16z, Andrew led the Rider Growth teams at Uber, and worked at a number of venture-backed startups.

To learn more, visit: https://a16z.com/games/

Get in touch with Andrew Chen at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewchen 

Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Data & Insights about SportsTech startups and the surrounding ecosystem.

Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/

🎙 Next up on the Esports World Cup series from the New Global Sports Conference, The Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents: MJ Acosta- Ruiz, Sportscaster & TV Host at ESPN

MJ Acosta-Ruiz is a television host and sportscaster, currently featured as the anchor of ESPN's Sportscenter and as a sideline reporter for ESPN Deportes' Monday Night Football. We have a lovely chat about the takeaways from the Esports World Cup and the New Global Sports Conference.

The Emmy Award winning journalist became the first  woman of color to host a show at NFL Media. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, you can find her working internationally to reach the diverse and growing landscape outside of the U.S. 

With nearly 15 years in the TV & Entertainment industry, she continues her work as an advocate for representation and equality. MJ works closely with women’s empowerment groups such as A Seat at the Table and is dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. 

To learn more, visit: https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2024/07/mj-acosta-ruiz-joins-espn/

And NGSC at: newglobalsportconference.com

Get in touch with MJ at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjacostatv/

Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Data & Insights about SportsTech startups and the surrounding ecosystem.

Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/