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 $310MM+ 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 $310MM
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.
Brendan Sullivan, founder & CEO of ZAMA Health
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
Once reviewed by our distinguished panel of experts, up to 15 finalists will be chosen to compete for the top 3 spots in the 2024 SFIA Start-Up Challenge. The top 3 selected will compete LIVE IN-PERSON at BABSON COLLEGE on OCTOBER 29, 2024.
Each of the 15 finalists will work with a professional to produce a pitch video and an investment profile for the judges to view prior to a Virtual Q&A Session. On September 26th, 2024 the SFIA Start-Up Challenge Virtual 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 the top 3 will be selected to compete LIVE IN-PERSON at BABSON COLLEGE on OCTOBER 29th, 2024.
Competitor applications now open for anyone to apply to compete until July 31st
Once the competitor application window is over (July 31st), 15 finalists will be selected to create an investment profile + pitch videos + participate in a Virtual Q&A session in front of the judges
The Virtual Q&A session will take place on September 26th, 2024
At the conclusion of the LIVE Q&A session for the 15 finalists, the top 3 finalists will be selected to compete LIVE IN-PERSON at BABSON COLLEGE on OCTOBER 29, 2024
Should you be chosen as a 2024 SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge finalist, you will receive:
An official invitation to participate in the 2024 SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge Q&A Session on Thursday, September 26th, 2024 from 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM (EST)
One-free-year of SFIA Membership
Exposure and connections to 100+ industry judges (virtually) and their feedback
A logo-feature in an SFIA research report
Personal introduction to five judges of your choice
The opportunity to present to sports & fitness industry brands & retailers + potential investors and partners
Competitor applications open: June 17 - July 31st (extended from July 20th)
Up to 15 finalists selected by the judges: August 1st
Creation of investment profiles + initial pitch videos: August 1st - September 26th
Virtual Q&A Session for 15 finalists: September 26th, 2024
Judges review and select a top 3 to present LIVE IN-PERSON: October 1st
2024 Start-Up Challenge Main Event LIVE IN-PERSON at BABSON COLLEGE: October 29th, 2024
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 2024 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 Start-Up Challenge Judge, you will be asked to:
View each start-up finalist’s investment profile (before the LIVE Q&A on September 26th)
View each start-up finalist’s pitch video (before the LIVE Q&A on September 26th)
Send in 1 question you have for each finalist (before the LIVE Q&A on September 26th)
Attend the 2024 SFIA Start-Up Challenge Virtual Q&A Session, on September 26th at 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM (EST)
Evaluate each of the 15 start-up finalists and help decide the top 3
Join us LIVE IN-PERSON at BABSON COLLEGE on October 29th to help us determine the 2024 Start-Up Challenge Champion (not required)
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 2025 Start-Up Challenge and give a short speech about your company and story.
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 2024 Start-Up Challenge. This package is designed to boost your start-up’s social presence and reputation.
Complimentary stay at the 2024 Start-Up Challenge venue at Babson College on October 28th, 2024.
The opportunity to network and connect with SFIA Members in the industry at an SFIA Member event!
Includes:
Free Registration
Speaking Opportunity
Public Recognition at Event
SFIA will highlight your company and accomplishments in one of SFIA’s 2025 annual research reports, read by thousands of individuals and seen in hundreds of publications.
Questions?
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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.
