A startup that has built a media operating system for sports has just raised $5 million in seed funding from Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian's Seven Seven Six.
ScorePlay, which is based in Lisbon and New York, uses AI to distribute media assets created by sports organizations. A key issue that many sports fans face is that broadcast narratives don't provide enough authentic, or behind-the-scenes, content about clubs or players.
The startup aims to tackle this by allowing clubs and leagues to distribute sports content to fans much easier, through its AI-driven software platform.
"It's why we created ScorePlay. Sport-related media was owned by broadcasters, and the revenue would go to them. Now, clubs, leagues, and organizers and taking that control back," said cofounder and CTO, Xavier Green.
ScorePlay's AI-driven operating system automates how videos and photos of various athletes and clubs are sent in real-time. Marketing teams use its platform to create the content, which is then distributed strategically.
As a business-to-business software startup, ScorePlay makes its money by charging a monthly fee to organizations, depending on the range of services they use. Some of its current clients include the likes of Premier League football club West Ham United, La Liga club Atlético de Madrid, as well as over 10,000 athletes — including Lionel Messi and Declan Rice. Athletes across 30 sports can also build their own brand via ScorePlay's app.
Amid a tougher funding environment, the startup decided to focus on getting funding from a US investor, to "develop the US market," said Victorien Tixier, cofounder and CEO. The startup's AI offering was "interesting for VCs" — but it wasn't the most important factor for investors, he added.
The round was led by Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian's VC firm Seven Seven Six, which has previously backed climate tech Vaayu, and creator marketing platform PearPop. Additional participation came from sports personalities including NBA All-Star Kevin Durant, as well as Manchester United's Raphaël Varane. Tech entrepreneurs such as Eventbrite cofounder Renaud Visage, and Jellysmack founders Michael Philippe and Robin Sabban also backed the round, among others. This brings its total funding to $6.5 million.
With the fresh funding, ScorePlay will grow its tech team so it can hone in on its enterprise offerings. It will also channel the cash towards its expansion in the US.
Check out the 9-slide pitch deck it used to secure the funds.
