In this week’s SBJ Tech Newsletter, Boldyn Networks discusses research into fan expectations regarding in-venue connectivity. The Diamond Sports brand also has a new parent company in Magnus. Magnus will combine BaseballCloud, SoftballCloud, and Yakkertech under his one label. Details can be found here. — Ethan Joyce
In today’s powered up version:
- Olympic sprinter Andre de Grasse supports sports technology startup
- Pacers get unique jersey patch sponsor
- DaVinci Wearables moves to Indy
Canadian Olympic sprinter Andre de Grasse, a 200-meter cash medalist, first met Plantiga founder Quinn Sandler in 2018 at a local track near his home in Jacksonville, Florida. .After training with the company’s insole sensors, de Grasse became Planting’s first athlete investor and brand ambassador.
Similar deals have followed in the past two years with digital mental health support platform Headversity, home-based micro-gym TUT Fitness, and distributed learning company Disco. The startup offered stock in exchange for paying in dollars. Now, what started as an ad hoc stake has been formalized as Mr. de Grasse has launched his ADG Ignite Ventures to formalize the process and expand its reach. Learn more about SBJ’s man Joe Lemire here.
Spokenote is sponsoring the Pacers’ new uniform advertising patch. This is the first time a QR code has been featured on a professional sports uniform ad, and SBJ’s Terry Lefton says it’s a radical move as it means sponsors will be able to distribute content from within live games. Reporting. Spokenote’s advertising patch will debut tonight at the Bucks vs. Pacers game in Indianapolis.
Spokenote calls its product “digital sticky notes” and offers users an easy way to share videos by linking to a QR code on a sticker. This code takes the user to his Spokenote section within Pacers.com where a Pacer player is promoting his new “smart” jersey. The deal also includes basic branding on both ends of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Pacers.
Smart clothing technology company DaVinci Wearables is moving its operations to Indianapolis. The move was made in partnership with Sports Tech HQ, a nonprofit organization focused on attracting more sports technology companies to the city.
DaVinci Wearables specializes in monitoring specifically for women’s physiological tracking and is currently accepting pre-orders and welcoming participants to pilot their clip-on devices and smart wear. Last June, the company was one of 13 companies named to Techstars Sports Accelerator Powered by Indy.
Send us your feedback: Contact us at ejoyce@sportsbusinessjournal.com.
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