Present your start-up to an esteemed panel of judges made up of sports & fitness executives, venture capitalists and leaders from private equity.
Network with industry leaders, raise funds, create brand partnerships, expand distribution, and compete in SFIA’s Start-Up Challenge.
Compete on stage (virtually) and be a part of the growing $220MM+ story during the Sports & Fitness Industry Association's Start-Up Challenge.
Present your game plan to an esteemed panel of judges made up of sports & fitness executives, venture capitalists and leaders from private equity.
Swing for the fences and find out if you have what it takes to impress industry leaders to bring home the grand prize during the SFIA Start-Up Challenge.
Since the inaugural Start-Up Challenge in 2016, finalists have raised more than $220MM
Creator of a soccer cleat designed specifically for women. This initiative is about more than a shoe. IDA is dedicated to gender equality, empowering women and girls, and ensuring everyone has the right to enjoy sport.
Miro has created complex algorithms to capture valuable athlete data from various athletic competitions. This type of AI provides insights to brands and retailers, picking up in-depth trends and patterns, regarding apparel and equipment, among many different demographic breakdowns. Since being founded two years ago, Miro AI has raised more than $800K.
ShotTracker's Founder and CEO, Davyeon Ross, and Co-Founder, Bruce Ianni, won SFIA's 2017 Start-Up Challenge with their game-changing product helping basketball players, teams, and coaches get real-time insights on court performance. Since competing two years ago, ShotTracker has raised more than $10,000,000 and now counts Magic Johnson, David Stern, and Ryan Howard as investors.
Bisu Body Coach is a home health lab that provides personalized nutrition and lifestyle advice through easy, accurate urine tests. bisu has received over $3MM in funding.
Nix’s high-tech sensors, capable of measuring hydration status via sweat to optimize safety and physical and cognitive performance are changing the game for athletes. Nix has received over $1.5MM in funding.
Hookit’s CEO, Scott Tilton, took the Start-Up Challenge prize in 2016. Hookit's sponsorship analytics platform is disrupting the sponsorship marketing industry by equipping marketers and properties with actionable insights to effectively valuate partnerships. Since winning the inaugural challenge, Hookit has raised more than $16,000,000.
April 9, 2024 - Volt Athletics Elevates AI-powered Athlete Development Platform with Acquisition of ZAMA Health
July 11, 2023 - Greenfly Acquires AI Provider Miro AI to Enhance Short-Form Content Solutions.
June 2021 - Raised 5.1MM, led by existing investor KB Partners, as well as new investors including Northwestern University, Alex Alimanestianu (former CEO Town Sports International, and investor/advisor to Mirror and their founder), former NFL wide receiver Scotty McKnight and former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez.
October 2021 - Raised 3.2MM in seed round, also reaching an agreement with ASICS Corporation to collaborate on health and fitness service initiatives.
October 2021 - Acquired by Slinger for deal valued at $82MM
January 2021 - Raised $11MM led by Verizon Ventures and broadcast equipment manufacturer Evertz Technologies, based in Canada.
December 2019 - Slinger Bag goes public under ticker symbol “SLBG”
September 2021 - Acquired by Nautilus, Inc.
KENT MCKEAIGG, FOUNDER OF ORDERMYGEAR
KEITH BANK, CEO OF KB PARTNERS
MERIDITH UNGER, CEO OF NIX
JEFF ANGUS, PLAYSIGHT
STEVEN WEBSTER, CEO OF ASENSEI
TAYLOR HOST, CEO OF MIRO
Competitors & Judges can expect…
Once reviewed by our distinguished panel of experts, up to 10 finalists will be chosen to compete in the 2023 SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge.
Each finalist will work with a professional to produce a pitch video for the judges to view prior to the LIVE Q&A Session. On October 10th, 2023 the SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge LIVE Q&A Session will take place, where judges will be able to ask the finalists any questions they may have about their competing company. The judges will then evaluate each finalist and a winner will be chosen to receive the GRAND PRIZE!
Should you be chosen as a 2023 SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge finalist, you will receive:
an official invitation to participate in the 2023 SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge Q&A & Evaluation Session, LIVE ONLINE on Tuesday, Ocotber 10th, 2022 from 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM (EST)
one-free-year of SFIA Membership
a logo-feature in an SFIA research report
personal introduction to five judges of your choice
real-time feedback from industry veterans
the opportunity to present to sports & fitness industry brands & retailers + potential investors and partners
Judge applications will be continuously reviewed throughout the process and will be announced periodically. You will be notified in a timely manner if you have been selected to judge for the 2023 SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge.
Anyone connected to the sports & fitness industry can apply to be a judge.
Should you be chosen as a 2024 SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge Judge, you will be asked to:
view each start-up finalist’s investment profile (before the LIVE Q&A on exact date TBD)
view each start-up finalist’s pitch video (before the LIVE Q&A on exact date TBD)
send in 1 question you have for each finalist (before the LIVE Q&A on exact date TBD)
attend the 2023 SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge Q&A & Evaluation Session, LIVE ONLINE on exact date and time TBD.
evaluate each start-up finalist and help decide the winner
When a judge completes the tasks above, they will receive the complete judges roster.
The Start-Up Challenge winner will receive…
You will be asked to help judge at SFIA’s 2024 Start-Up Challenge
Establish your company in the national spotlight, as reputable national media outlets and industry media cover the competition. In addition, your company will be spotlighted on all SFIA platforms and digital media marketing material for the 2023 Start-Up Challenge and Industry Leaders Summit. This package is designed to boost your start-up’s social presence and reputation.
The opportunity to network and connect with SFIA Members in the industry.
Includes:
Free Registration
Speaking Opportunity
Public Recognition at Event
SFIA will highlight your company and accomplishments in the 2024 version of SFIA’s annual State of the Industry Research report, read by thousands of individuals and seen in hundreds of publications.
Questions?
Are you a Start-Up looking for SFIA Membership? Click Here
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), formerly the SGMA, is the trade association of leading industry sports and fitness brands, suppliers, retailers and partners. Our mission is to "Promote Sports and Fitness Participation and Industry Vitality" by focusing on core product areas for the industry.
Our purpose is to support our member companies and promote a healthy environment for the sporting goods industry by providing access to thought leadership, industry & public affairs, research and member services.
