Technology

Posted on June 7, 2018 by staff

Sports VR innovator closes $2.36m seed round

Technology

Cutting edge technologies are scoring big for sports teams and Beyond Sports, a Dutch AI and visualization company, is the latest to ride the wave after securing a $2.36m seed round.

The company combines the latest technologies, from VR and AR to AI, with data to help sports teams improve their performance.

It will use the funds to grow its product development team and expand into additional sports and healthcare markets, particularly targeting North America.

The round was led by industry investors including David Blitzer, Seth Bernstein, Alan Goldfarb, Art Wrubel, Eric Aroesty, Scott Krase, Joshua Press and Matt Harris as well as Triple IT, a Dutch technology company.

“Beyond Sports combines the power of neural networks with unique visualization capabilities to offer immersive experiences and tactical insights to teams, broadcasters and fans. We believe this space is poised for significant growth,” said David Blitzer, a principal in HBSE which owns major US sports teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and more.

“We are extremely excited to partner with investors that share our vision of AI solutions for the sports industry,” added Beyond Sports COO & co-founder Sander Schouten.

Beyond Sports recently made its mark in the US with the opening of offices in Los Angeles and New York.

The strategic moves are part of a bigger plan to target professional sports teams in the US following major success with clubs, leagues and fans in the English Premier League and the Dutch Eredivisie.

The team has also driven tech initiatives for national teams including the German National Team (DFB) and the Dutch National Team (KNVB).

“Our proprietary visualization engine has been successful in bringing cognition mapping, tactical training and immersive experiences to the forefront of the sports industry,” said Beyond Sports CEO Jeffrey Saunders.

“Clubs, leagues, broadcasters and fans are benefitting from player tracking data in unique ways through our VR and AR based solutions.”