Dodgers Accelerator program hosts demo day
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers ventured into tech world Tuesday, debuting the results of their inaugural Dodgers Accelerator program with a demo day at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers, in partnership with communications and advertising company R/GA, selected 10 emerging companies dedicated to innovations in sports, technology, entertainment and media for the three-month program. And on Tuesday, each had the opportunity to show what they've accomplished, taking the field at Chavez Ravine to present their products before hundreds of investors.
"It's expanding our brand, but it's also helping us do good in helping 10 companies with real appeal and with real innovation grow," said Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten. "Personally, I'd like for it to result in jobs here in L.A., and I still have hopes for that. But mostly, we're contributing to innovation across the sports spectrum.
"I'm proud of the Dodgers every day; this makes me more proud."
The 10 companies that participated in the Dodgers Accelerator program represent a diverse array of sports technology and entertainment:
• Appetize -- point of sale, mobile ordering and inventory management platform for live events.
• Doorstat -- helps businesses and brands better understand foot traffic, customer demographics and customer behavior through video-based software.
• FieldLevel -- private social network for sports recruiting that connects coaches and helps college teams find the best athletes for their programs.
• FocusMotion -- tracks and analyzes movements, gestures and exercises with wearable devices.
• Juke -- mobile platform for a streamlined fantasy sports experience.
• Kinduct -- develops connected health, fitness and human performance software solutions.
• LeagueApps -- platform enabling local sports organizers to create and manage sports experiences.
• ProDay -- mobile app that lets anyone work out with professional athletes.
• SidePrize -- facilitates side challenges for your fantasy league.
• Swish Analytics -- algorithm-driven tools for sports betting, fantasy players and fans.
The Dodgers Accelerator program was created to assist young companies with opportunities in business development, pilot programs, technology development and brand strategy. Kasten said the team received nearly 575 applications from 37 countries, far more than anticipated.
The Dodgers provided each participant with a $20,000 investment in exchange for a six percent equity stake. They were also given access to Dodgers executives as well industry partners, mentors and distribution channels.
"It's a recognition that sports are always innovating and that the biggest organizations that are already on top see the need to continue to think about innovation if they're going to stay that way," said Jeremy Goldberg, president of LeagueApps. "They're not going to sit back and relax, and I think you're seeing this across Major League Baseball."
The program culminated in Tuesday's demo day, which featured on-field presentations from each participant as well as an opportunity for them to meet with industry leaders, potential investors and partner organizations.
"I think they're really excited to see what the Dodgers have put together," said Sarah Kunst, founder and CEO of ProDay, "and they're also excited to see new ways that they can invest or be a part of some of the emerging technologies in sports."