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The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is excited to be hosting our 7th Annual Start-Up Challenge! We are just two weeks away from our application deadline for start-ups who want to compete in this year’s event. Driven entrepreneurs who are changing the landscape of the sports and fitness industry with their product, technology, or idea are encouraged to apply here by Friday, June 23, 2023.
Taking place virtually, the Start-Up Challenge serves as the industry’s premier innovation showcase, bringing together young companies and entrepreneurs to pitch groundbreaking concepts in a competitive format. Up to 10 finalists will be selected to present virtually to our judging panel on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
Judges include 100+ top executives, investors, and thought leaders in the sports and fitness industry, including representatives from Athleta, Under Amour, KB Partners, Implus, MLB, Nautilus, JR286, Rawlings, TeamSnap, Drive by Draftkings, New Balance, NBC Sports Next, Rawlings, USTA, and more. Click here to see the list of judges from 2022.
To date, SFIA has showcased 40 start-up companies as finalists, providing them with the opportunity to raise awareness, receive investments, initiate partnerships, and kickstart their businesses in front of their target audience. Since participating in the Start-Up Challenge, these finalists have collectively raised over $200 million dollars!
All 2023 finalists will receive professional support to create a pitch video, which will be presented at the live, online Q&A and Evaluation Session on October 10. Additionally, finalists will receive one free year of a SFIA membership, a logo feature in a SFIA research report, real-time feedback and direct leads from all judges, and personal introductions to five judges of their choice.
The grand prize winner will additionally receive free registration, a speaking opportunity, and public recognition at a SFIA event, national media coverage, a spotlight in one of SFIA’s annual research reports, and a 2024 SFIA Start-Up Challenge judge’s seat.
The application is open to any entrepreneur with an idea, product, or service in the sporting goods, team sports, sports tech, and/or fitness space. All applications must be submitted before June 23 to be evaluated and considered for a finalist position.
Interested in serving as a Start-Up Challenge judge? We are also currently taking applications for our judging panel. Click here for more information and to apply.
