AO Startups seven futuristic companies

Image: Australian Open

Seven new companies have been selected in the mid-year intake of the AO StartUps program, with all the businesses set to pilot their cutting-edge technology during the 2024 Summer of Tennis.

‘Australian Open’ stated that AO StartUps received hundreds of applications from a diverse range of companies across the globe before an extensive evaluation process was undertaken by Tennis Australia’s executive and senior leadership teams.

AO StartUps is the latest step in Tennis Australia’s innovation and venture capital strategy which helps startup companies pilot their cutting-edge technology at the AO and other areas of Tennis Australia’s business.

AO StartUps also help companies pilot their cutting-edge technology at the Australian Open and within other areas of Australian tennis.

Companies participating in AO StartUps are provided the opportunity to prove their business models in realtime and directly access proprietary intel and exposure at one of the world’s largest sport and entertainment events. It has been designed to extract maximum value for the startup, streamline corporate processes that can often stifle innovating at speed and provide an opportunity for investment via Tennis Australia’s venture capital fund, the Wildcard Ventures.

The creation of AO StartUps follows the launch of Tennis Australia’s Venture Capital fund, Wildcard Ventures and its multiyear partnership with the global accelerator powerhouse Techstars.

Melbourne (Australia)-based Tennis Australia Limited is the governing body for Tennis in Australia. It is owned by the Australian States and territories. The association organizes national and international tennis tournaments including the Australian Open, the Australian Open Series, Davis Cup, Fed Cup, ATP Cup, and the Australian Pro Tour.

Maintained Dr Machar Reid, Tennis Australia Head of Innovation, “We were so impressed with the diversity and quality of startups and founders that applied to be part of the AO StartUps journey. The mid-year intake was the second time we’ve opened up the AO in this way to the global startup community and we’re really excited by the level of interest that it has generated. Our new cohort will drive innovation across several different sports and entertainment verticals including player performance, event operations and the fan experience in-stadium and on broadcast. The international spread of the seven successful companies aligns with our ambition to find the best ideas – no matter the location – and to leverage them to continually enhance the AO experience and world sport.”

The 2023 AO StartUps mid-year portfolio includes:

• Raven (UK): An artificial intelligence (AI)-driven incident management platform that provides realtime situational awareness for all stakeholders involved in event and venue management.
• PAM (Australia): A leader in building connected environments through smart navigation and digital wayfinding technology.
• Circular (France): Developer of the only wearable device (smart ring) in the world assisted by a conversational AI assistant that delivers accessible recommendations to make sense of wellness data for the user.
• Straffr (Germany): Science-led functional fitness equipment including the world’s first smart resistance band.
• Stringr (US): A new mobile app that connects tennis players with trusted, local racquet stringers on-demand.
• DVOX (Canada): Provides a reliable and simple way to stream live audio content directly to event attendees’ smartphones without the need for apps or extra hardware.
• Trickshot (UK): A platform that enables content creators and rights holders to generate immersive digital experiences for fans using 3D player and ball tracking data.

 
‘Australian Open’ further stated that seven companies were part of the inaugural cohort at AO 2023 including Cape Bionics, Equidi, Calyx, MATCHi, Amperfii, Recut, and YBVR – with each of them headlining new initiatives across various aspects of the sport.

AO StartUps is led by Tennis Australia’s Innovation team and follows the launch of Tennis Australia’s Venture Capital fund, (Wildcard Ventures) and its multiyear partnership with global accelerator powerhouse, Techstars.
 

About the 2023 AO StartUps Portfolio

 

Raven

Raven Controls provides game changing event and venue delivery software, changing the industry and innovating through the use of AI and machine learning. Raven combine knowledge and best practice from law enforcement and public sector emergencies and counter terrorist planning, with the best technical expertise, innovating through technology driving and enhancing security and optimizing operational efficiencies, coordination and communication.
 

PAM

Make every district smarter, more profitable, productive, and pleasurable, because now you can take people exactly to where they want to be. When a customer can easily find the perfect parking spot, the right store, seat or promotion, the restroom when they need it, or their favorite meal, your value instantly increases. One integrated cloud-based CX platform, PAM simplifies connectivity, turns friction to flow, obstacles to opportunities, and the visitors into fans.
 

Circular

Circular is building the next generation remote monitoring solution for the consumers and health professionals. Circular is the only wearable device (smart ring) in the world assisted by a conversational AI assistant that delivers accessible recommendations to make sense of wellness data for the user.
 

Straffr

Straffr is combining Science-led functional fitness with smart portable workout equipment. Its initial product is the world’s first smart resistance band that connects to an app to provide live feedback and training analytics.
 

Stringr

Stringr is a new Web and mobile app that connects tennis players with trusted, local racquet stringers on-demand, all from the comfort of your home. Stringr allows you to simply schedule a pick-up/drop-off time and you get a stress-free, high-quality racquet stringing within 24-48 hours.
 

DVOX

DVOX is a patented technology that improves the realtime audio experience for users and planners of events, large or small. It provides a reliable and simple way to stream live audio content directly to the audience’s smartphones without the need for apps or extra hardware. This all-in-one audio streaming system consists of an end-user Web interface, a management Web portal and an audio acquisition device. Easy-to-use, integrates seamlessly into the WiFi network and compatible with all devices.
 

Trickshot

Trickshot is a technology positioned to capitalize on the growth in access and precision of 3D data in live sport. Its platform is targeted at helping content creators and rights holders leverage 3D data, describing ball and player position, into new fan experiences that can be monetized across different digital media.

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