Verizon dials into ShotTracker’s 5G potential, leading $11M financing round for veteran startup

One of Kansas City’s most celebrated startups is getting a boost as a new $11 million financing round led by Verizon Ventures and Evertz Technologies Limited takes the court.

Funding is expected to support accelerated product deployment across NCAA basketball conferences and expand remote live sports production in the cloud with 5G enabledtech for venues, clubs, leagues, and sports rights holders, the company said in a press release.

“The impact of tying the cameras to the ShotTracker sensors, in cost savings and in the quality of unique content which then can be delivered, will be dramatic and literally game changing for the sports world,” said Davyeon Ross, co-founder and COO of ShotTracker.

Click here to read more about Verizon Ventures and Evertz.

ShotTracker is one of Kansas City’s Top Venture Capital-Backed companies. The funding from Verizon Ventures and Evertz puts the startup at nearly $40 million in funding, according to company reporting and Startland News tracking.

ShotTracker gets backing from Verizon in $11 million financing round. Terrific future with great partners ⁦@VerizonVentures⁩ ⁦@EvertzTV⁩ ⁦@KCRiseFund⁩ proud investor https://t.co/hCfaY5DlIt

— Darcy Howe (@darcyhowe) January 16, 2021

Patented tech behind ShotTracker delivers deep data and analytics as well as video, scoreboard and broadcast integration to more than 63 Division I men’s and women’s basketball programs and a growing relationship with Learfield IMG College and its partner schools.

How does it work? The platform tracks data in three parts: a ShotTracker-enabled ball, sensors on players’ jerseys, and court sensors that map the court in 3D. Data is processed through the company’s proprietary algorithm displayed on the ShotTracker app and dashboard and will also be integrated with Evertz cloud based live production solutions.

ShotTracker’s partnership with Evertz is specifically designed to deliver automated camera operations to reduce staffing needed to control cameras at live events. Such a move would allow editors, storytellers and producers to be remote amid the ongoing pandemic.

ShotTracker display at the Computer History Museum

The innovative tech was saluted by the Computer History Museum during the traveling exhibit’s 2019 stop in Kansas City, which highlighted key milestones in the development of the metro’s entrepreneurial community.

But ShotTracker isn’t just a piece of Kansas City’s past — it’s a catalyst for changing the tech game, said Michelle McCarthy, managing director of Verizon Ventures.

“As real-time data tracking and analytics become critical components for coaches and players, instantaneous and interactive delivery powered by 5G is critical,” McCarthy said. “ShotTracker’s real-time sports data will transform fan experiences, athletic performance, sports broadcast and more. We’re proud to invest in a team of industry veterans as they pave the way for data capture in game play to improve all areas of the sport.”

In addition to Verizon Ventures and Evertz, ShotTracker’s partners include Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Spalding and Wilson.

The company is led by Ross and Bill Moses, CEO, with headquarters in Johnson County.

Ross and co-founder Bruce Ianni — who left the startup in April 2020 — were inducted in November into the Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City’s Hall of Fame for their work with ShotTracker. The company was named one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2019 and Ross was honored in 2019 as Tech Connector of the Year at the KC Tech Council’s inaugural No Coast awards.

Watch Ross and Ianni’s remarks from the Junior Achievement induction below.

This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.

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