First Cohort Named For Sports Accelerator

Indiana Sports Corp. President Ryan Vaughn announced the program in August.

The Indiana Sports Corp. has named the 10 startups that will participate in the inaugural class of the Techstars Sports Accelerator Powered by Indy. The three-year initiative aims to provide support for startups specializing in sports technology.

The accelerator was first announced in August. The program was founded by a variety partners, including the ISC, the Next Level Fund, the NCAA and Pacers Sports & Entertainment. It also involves several supporting partners such as the Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR. 

The ISC says the objectives of the accelerator are to "foster early identification of key trends for future technology in sport; engage meaningfully with early-stage sports tech companies; embrace technologies and business models that will impact the sports industry; and enhance a culture of internal innovation and the spirit of entrepreneurship."

The 10 startups taking part in the 2019 class include:

• Sixth Man Technologies
• FanWide
• WePlayed
• Pistol Lake
• PlayEasy
• Egratta
• Million.tv
• Project Admission
• Fanium
• Track Tennis

The program will run for 13 weeks and culminate with a "demo day" in which each startup will pitch their accelerated businesses to investors and venture capitalists.

Shortly after the accelerator was announced, ISC President Ryan Vaughn and High Alpha Managing Partner Scott Dorsey appeared on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick to talk about the program: