The LA Dodgers accelerator wants a piece of this Kansas City startup
August 23, 2016 | Bobby Burch
Wearable tech startup ShotTracker is furthering its inroads into the world of professional sports.
The Overland Park-based firm recently was accepted into the Los Angeles Dodgers and R/GA Ventures’ accelerator program that aims to revolutionize sports with innovative technology.
The LA Dodgers Sports Accelerator’s 2016 class of companies includes five firms from around the world that will gain access to industry partnerships and expertise.
ShotTracker developed a three-piece wearable device — a net sensor, wrist sensor and app — that allows basketball players to track shot attempts, makes and misses. With the accelerator, however, the firm will focus on its “ShotTracker TEAM” technology, which captures real-time stats for basketball teams, yielding analytics for coaches, players and fans. The technology uses embedded sensors around a court, on a player’s shoes and in a Spalding basketball to collect the data.
“It means a lot to our company to be part of the LA Dodgers accelerator with R/GA because of the guidance and resources it provides,” ShotTracker CEO Bruce Ianni said. “The opportunity to collaborate with the Dodgers’ leadership, not to mention the other companies in the program, is really exciting for us.”
Ianni said he hopes ShotTracker will gain new perspectives on how it can quickly scale its business. The added visibility in the marketplace should help too, he added.
Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten said that the accelerator aims to move sporting technology into the future.
“The Dodger organization remains committed to utilizing our brand and this outstanding platform to continue to drive our industry forward,” Kasten said in a release. “The unbelievable worldwide interest in our first accelerator and the success the 10 companies achieved has certainly been a major asset to us and the sports and entertainment industry.”
The accelerator program begins on Aug. 22, affording ShotTracker the opportunity to engage with the Dodgers’ leadership, business units and industry network. It will also tap R/GA’s marketing, branding, design and technology services. The program will conclude in November at which time each startup will present to industry leaders, partners and customers in the sports, technology, and entertainment communities.
The LA Dodgers Sports Accelerator offers upwards of $120,000 in exchange for up to 6 percent equity in a startup. It also provides a shared workspace in Los Angeles, mentorship and business development opportunities.
Led by co-founders Ianni and Davyeon Ross, ShotTracker has realized solid traction since its 2013 founding.
ShotTracker has raised $5 million to date, scored a partnership with Golden State Warrior superstar Klay Thompson and has teamed up with equipment giant Spalding. In addition to endorsements from the likes of University of Kansas Basketball coach Bill Self, the company was also named to Startland News’ 10 Top Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2016.
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