HYPE Sports Innovation
The leading global holding and innovation company in sports and media technologies, with a portfolio of over 150 startups. Now launching a dedicated investment vehicle focused on innovative AI applications in sports-tech.
By: Amir Raveh
Angel Investment
Investment type:
Company Stage:
Category:
Culture & Sports
Highlights
Highlights
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HYPE Sports Innovation is the world’s leading holding and innovation company in the field of sports and media technologies, with a portfolio of over 150 startups, which are demonstrating significant progress and development, with some already approaching the exit stage. In response to the meteoric rise of artificial intelligence technologies over the past year, HYPE has launched a dedicated and competitive investment vehicle focused on AI applications in sports and media. This vehicle will comprise of around 25 top-tier startups, personally selected by leading global brands such as Sky Sports and Liverpool FC. So far, five companies have already been successfully chosen for the vehicle.
Over the past decade, HYPE has developed a unique expertise in understanding the most pressing needs of the major brands in the sports and media industries, facilitating direct commercial connections with leading startups that offer innovative solutions to these needs. This activity is carried out through their "innovation engine" – a multi-year program that brings together all market players, including startups, clubs, leagues, companies, and organizations, enabling them to collaborate under ideal conditions, from pilots and investments to commercial agreements and new technology development.
HYPE has strategic partnerships with hundreds of the world's leading sports and media brands, all seeking access to innovation and diverse technological solutions tailored to their specific needs. Each year, a select number of startups are chosen by these brands from thousands of applicants to participate in the program. These startups receive ongoing business development support from HYPE and its global mentors, which include senior figures from organizations like UEFA, NBA teams, NFL, leading media companies, and more. In return, HYPE acquires equity in these startups.
The company is currently preparing to launch a new cycle focused on groundbreaking AI technologies, selecting around 25 startups. HYPE offers investors an opportunity to benefit from rapid value appreciation and significant returns, thanks to their expertise in identifying and advancing innovative tech solutions shaping the future of sports. This approach allows investors to hold a diverse portfolio of carefully selected sports-tech companies, mitigating risks and significantly enhancing the chances of success.
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Quality Seals
- Exclusive Strategic Partnerships with Global Sports Leaders: HYPE Sports Innovation has built a powerful network of partnerships with hundreds of top-tier clubs, leagues, companies, and international organizations across the sports and media industries. This exclusive network not only facilitates the implementation of cutting-edge solutions but also generates significant business opportunities for startups. Among HYPE’s partners are some of the world’s most prestigious football clubs, such as Liverpool FC, Juventus FC, and the German Bundesliga, along with NBA and NFL teams, federations like FIFA, global brands like DraftKings, DAZN, IBM, and major media outlets such as CBS Sports and Sky Sports.
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- Innovative Model Linking Market Needs with Solutions: HYPE Sports Innovation runs a unique program designed to act as a launchpad for breakthrough technologies in the sports industry. Each year, thousands of startups apply, and after a rigorous selection process, only a select few dozen are chosen to participate. What sets HYPE apart is that startups are selected by the potential clients themselves—HYPE’s partners—who are actively seeking solutions to specific challenges like boosting sales, enhancing fan engagement, and optimizing profitability. This market-driven approach ensures that startups enter the program with a higher likelihood of success.
- Extensive and Diverse Portfolio: HYPE Sports Innovation manages the largest portfolio in the sports and media technology sector, encompassing over 150 leading and fast-growing startups.
- Proven Track Record of Success: In recent years, HYPE has successfully guided hundreds of sports-tech companies through its core programs. A significant number of these companies have secured collaboration and commercial agreements with HYPE’s partner sports brands. Many have also attracted substantial follow-on investments, with some companies doubling or even tripling their valuations. Notable success stories include the companies listed in the table below, all of which are part of our equity portfolio.
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- Seasoned Professional Team: HYPE is led by a team with deep expertise in sports, high-tech, and investment sectors. The company is further strengthened by a robust board of directors, featuring senior executives from prominent organizations such as UEFA, NFL, META, PEPSICO, and others.
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- Robust Business Model: HYPE's business model focuses on early-stage investments in startups under favorable terms, allowing the company to capitalize on high-profit potential during the exit phase. By acquiring equity stakes in startups at their entry valuation, HYPE and its investors are well-positioned to benefit from the startups' growth and success.
Pitch
Pitch
The Global Market Opportunity
In recent years, the traditional sports experience has undergone a significant transformation, particularly among younger audiences who are increasingly drawn to alternative forms of entertainment and digital platforms. The rise of streaming services, the growing popularity of e-sports, and shifting viewing habits among younger generations have all contributed to this change.
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To address these trends and capture the attention of a digitally native audience, media companies, sports teams, and leagues are actively seeking innovative ways to engage viewers and deliver captivating, personalized sports experiences. However, many leading sports brands face a substantial innovation gap. They recognize the need for new technologies but are often hesitant to take risks or collaborate with startups due to concerns about trust and the perceived risks associated with unproven technologies.
Meanwhile, startups in the sports tech industry struggle to gain traction, secure funding, and establish commercial agreements, often due to limited resources and networks. There is a clear need for validation and commercialization processes to help these startups build credibility and achieve market acceptance.
The Solution
HYPE Sports Innovation has created an expansive and unique international platform that enables startups, brands, clubs, and investors to collaborate and drive the sports industry forward. HYPE’s platform offers startups strategic support, mentorship, and access to a broad network of hundreds of leading sports brands, leagues, and clubs, helping business partners gain the technological innovation they need to meet their specific challenges and pain points.
The platform ensures that the startups involved have been vetted and validated by industry leaders, significantly increasing their chances of commercial success. Operating similarly to an investment fund, HYPE maintains equity stakes in a diverse portfolio of companies, allowing investors to spread their investments across several high-potential startups, thereby enhancing the likelihood of significant returns. HYPE’s focus on advanced technologies like AI positions it as a key player in driving innovation and growth in the sports tech industry on a global scale.
Advantages for Global Brands (HYPE's Partners):
- Access to Tailored Technological Innovation: A broad selection of companies and technologies with minimal risk.
- Direct Connection Between Market Needs and Advanced Technological Solutions: This increases the potential for success.
Advantages for Startups:
- Participation in an Acceleration Program: Provides ongoing business development support and access to the world’s leading sports brands.
- Extensive Professional Connections: Through mentors from organizations like UEFA, NFL teams, leading media outlets, and more.
- Significant Business Opportunities: Including potential collaborations and commercial agreements with international brands and leading clubs.
Advantages for Investors:
- Risk Diversification: By investing in a full portfolio of startups rather than a single one.
- Early Entry with Favorable Conditions: In startups that hold high profit potential upon realization.
- Multiple Opportunities for Early Return on Investment.
- Investment in Validated Startups: Chosen by the world’s leading brands.
How It Works
Our Platform: A professional collaborative arena that facilitates partnerships and commercial collaborations between startups, sports and media brands, and investors. It directly connects existing market needs with technological solutions. Experienced mentors guide the startups throughout the program, offering insights and advice. These mentors include senior figures from the sports world who help the ventures realize their potential. At the end of the program, startups benefit from extensive professional connections and direct access to investors, significantly increasing their chances of success and growth.
Our Partners – Brands, Federations, and Sports Clubs Worldwide: HYPE's business partners include companies like Liverpool FC, Juventus FC, the German Bundesliga, NBA and NFL teams, federations like FIFA, global brands like DraftKings, DAZN, IBM, and media organizations such as CBS Sports, Sky Sports, and more. HYPE's precise and professional process, combined with its partners, creates effective connections between challenges and solutions, bringing together strong brands with ventures that have high success potential.
Our Investors: HYPE allows private investors to become shareholders in the company, thereby gaining a stake in a rich and diverse portfolio of innovative sports-tech companies, similar to investing in a venture capital fund. Many of these companies are already on a good growth trajectory and offer attractive exit candidates.
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Media Coverage:
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Team
Team
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Amir Raveh is the Founder of HYPE Sports Innovation, a leader in the sports tech sector. Under his guidance, HYPE Sports Innovation has developed a robust equity portfolio featuring over 150 startups specializing in sports technology and artificial intelligence. The organization collaborates with top global sports brands, such as FIBA, CBS Sports, Liverpool, NBA, and NFL teams, delivering transformative solutions.
Earlier in his career, Amir founded MG Equity Investments in 2003 to drive growth in the startup ecosystem. He also authored "Acquired Charisma," a book on leadership and personal development. Additionally, Amir successfully founded and exited MEDIACALL Ltd, a London-based company, which further fuelled his entrepreneurial passion and commitment to innovation.
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Fabio Kauermann is a finance professional with over six years of international investment banking experience. He currently serves as Head of Equity and Investments at HYPE S.I. in Tel Aviv, where he leads portfolio management, fundraising, and strategic investment initiatives.
Fabio began his career at an international boutique M&A advisor, working in both Germany and London, where he gained extensive experience in executing high-profile transactions. He later joined Houlihan Lokey in London, where he led M&A transactions in the Consumer, Food & Retail sector, managing complex cross-border deals and driving successful outcomes for clients.
Fabio holds a Master of Science in Finance from Trinity College Dublin and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Passau.
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Zvika Popper is the Chief Operating Officer at HYPE Sports Innovation, and is part of the founding team of HYPE. He plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization’s global operations and strategic direction. With extensive experience in managing international teams and large-scale projects, Zvika is a key driver of innovation within the organization. His leadership has extended to mentoring numerous ventures and entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on strategy and business development.
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