The intersection of technology and sports is a dynamic space for innovation, and DivInc’s Sports Tech Accelerator is at the forefront of this transformation. Designed to nurture diverse and underrepresented entrepreneurs, the program has created a tangible impact in its latest cohort by supporting startups that are revolutionizing the sports industry. Through expert guidance, mentorship, and valuable networking, DivInc is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth in the sports tech ecosystem.

Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Core of DivInc's Mission

At the heart of the Sports Tech Accelerator is DivInc's commitment to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship. Through 36 interactive workshops and 72 hours of expert guidance, DivInc provides founders with the tools they need to succeed in a highly competitive landscape. In total, 56 hours of mentorship sessions were completed, connecting founders with industry experts who helped sharpen their business strategies and product development.

The accelerator’s approach is not just about providing resources but about empowering founders to take charge of their entrepreneurial journey. Founders like Ashton Keys, CEO of Althlytic, a platform connecting student-athletes with brand endorsement opportunities, or Kobi Wu, CEO of Cache AI, which uses AI to score unbiased athlete valuations, are prime examples of how the program fosters innovative leaders ready to disrupt the market.

Diverse Cohort Making Waves in Sports Tech

The latest cohort of the Sports Tech Accelerator program consisted of 10 startups, each with a unique solution to the challenges facing the sports industry. From Drive Hockey Analytics, which provides NHL-level player tracking for amateur hockey players, to Drafted, a platform celebrating Latina sports culture, these startups are tackling a wide array of issues in sports technology. This diversity of focus areas shows the potential for underrepresented founders to impact various aspects of the sports ecosystem—from fan engagement and player performance to brand partnerships.

Key Metrics: The Accelerator’s Success by the Numbers

The program’s success is already evident in the tangible outcomes from the cohort. Startups collectively raised over $4.6 million in equity funding, with an additional $235,000 in non-dilutive funding. These companies are not only raising capital but also generating revenue and expanding their user base. With over 25 paying customers, 31,000 active users, and 9,640 waitlist customers, the startups from this cohort are gaining real traction.

Furthermore, the program has had a significant impact on employment, with 29 jobs created within the cohort companies. This growth demonstrates how DivInc is helping create sustainable businesses that generate economic value while empowering underrepresented founders.

Mentorship as a Catalyst for Success

Mentorship plays a crucial role in the Sports Tech Accelerator, and DivInc excels in connecting founders with experienced mentors who provide actionable insights. With 95 mentor sessions completed and 29 mentor-mentee pairings, the program ensures that each founder receives personalized guidance. This hands-on support is a key differentiator that sets DivInc’s program apart from traditional accelerators, as it allows founders to refine their business models, overcome challenges, and capitalize on opportunities in the sports tech space.

A Glimpse into the Future of Sports Tech

As DivInc looks to the future, the success of the Sports Tech Accelerator program signals a new wave of innovation in the industry. Founders like Karina Martinez of Drafted and Nyla Pollard of Ballin AI, which is developing the sports industry’s first scouting automation software, are not only pushing the boundaries of sports technology but also breaking down barriers for future generations of diverse entrepreneurs.

The program’s impact extends far beyond the individual startups. It is building a more inclusive ecosystem that challenges the status quo and encourages a new generation of diverse leaders to shape the future of sports tech. The success of DivInc’s cohort underscores the potential for programs like these to transform industries, while also playing a critical role in closing the opportunity gap for underrepresented founders.

DivInc’s Sports Tech Accelerator is more than just a launchpad for startups—it's a movement toward equity in entrepreneurship. With its focus on mentorship, funding, and a holistic approach to growth, the program is helping founders build scalable businesses that will shape the future of the sports tech industry. As the companies in this cohort continue to grow and succeed, DivInc’s impact will be felt not only in the sports world but also in the broader tech and venture capital ecosystems.

By fostering innovation and championing diversity, DivInc is paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic sports tech landscape—one that reflects the rich diversity of talent and ideas that exist across all communities.

We are excited to announce that applications open today for our SportsTech cohort in spring 2025. Apply here today.