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Sports Funding, M&A News- Roku, SBLive, Qlan, Prematch (July 2023 Edition)

Updated: Feb 14


Welcome to ScoreCard, your monthly dose of the latest and greatest happenings in the dynamic world of sports and sports technology! In a rapidly evolving landscape, we understand the importance of staying informed and ahead of the curve. That's why we've created ScoreCard by SportsFirst to bring you a comprehensive roundup of the most exciting sports deals, startup funding alerts, mergers, acquisitions, and emerging technologies in the industry.


Every month, our dedicated team of experts curate the top stories and trends from the world of sports and sports tech, ensuring that you never miss a beat. From the latest mega-mergers to innovative startups shaking up the industry, we've got you covered. We dive deep into the world of sports to bring you exclusive insights, expert analysis, and thought-provoking commentary on the hottest topics.


ScoreCard is more than just a newsletter; it's a community of like-minded enthusiasts, professionals, and visionaries passionate about the future of sports and sports technology. Our mission is to keep you informed, inspired, and engaged as we explore the cutting-edge developments that are reshaping the way we play, compete, and experience the thrill of sports.


Welcome aboard, and let the games begin! 🏆






Roku Dives into Live Sports Content with Exciting New Venture:

Roku made an important stride in the fiercely competitive domain of live sports streaming by unveiling its initial offering of a live sports rights package.

The partnership of Roku and CBS Sports have reached an agreement to serve as the sole U.S. media collaborators for Formula E, the renowned championship series featuring electric racing cars. From January 2024 onwards, the Roku Channel will serve as the dedicated streaming platform for both live and on-demand Formula E races, including highlights, replays, race previews, the captivating Formula E docu-series "Unplugged," and various additional content.



MLB Embraces Cutting-Edge 3D Motion Tracking for Player Scouting:

The league recently revealed a partnership with Uplift Labs, a company based in the Bay Area. This collaboration introduces Uplift Labs' motion-tracking technologies to the minor leagues. The purpose of implementing this system is to assess and identify players during the Summer League and Appalachian League drafts, as well as the Draft Combine.

The main product provided by the startup is mobile 3D motion capture, a technology that utilizes a pair of iPhones or iPads along with a few tripods to track athletic movements in three dimensions. This system, which can also be used for sports such as golf, is specifically designed to replace expensive camera setups while delivering similar functionality.



Funding Boost: SBLive Sports Raises $14 Million to Expand Operations:

SBLive, the company, established in 2014, secured close to $14 million in funding from investors who have chosen to remain undisclosed. Beach, the company's spokesperson, reveals that a significant portion of this funding involves the conversion of debt from their primary investor, Cowles Ventures. The remaining funds will be allocated toward the company's growth and ongoing development efforts.


The investment allows the company to solidify its position as a leading provider of high school sports coverage and empower the next generation of athletes.Their services encompass a wide range of content, including scores, schedules, statistics, rankings, articles, podcasts, and highlight videos, catering to the diverse needs of sports enthusiasts.







Qlan Attracts $200k Pre-Seed Funding to Support Ambitious Growth Strategy:

Qlan's innovative approach, aimed at making a positive impact on the gaming landscape, has attracted noteworthy support from investors. The pre-seed funding round saw participation from Marwah Sports, CIIE.CO, and Faad Network.


With this funding, Qlan is well-positioned to propel its expansion plans forward. The company will utilize the investment to enhance its technological infrastructure, develop cutting-edge features, and further optimize its gamer networking, discovery, and content creation capabilities.





Prematch Secures €2.4 Million Investment to Build the Ultimate Amateur Football Experience:

Prematch's successful €2.4 million funding round marks a major milestone in their journey to build an exceptional platform that combines the excitement of gaming with the passion for amateur football. The investment received from notable backers demonstrates confidence in Prematch's vision and potential. With the development of their revolutionary platform, amateur football enthusiasts can look forward to an immersive and unparalleled digital experience that brings the joy of the game to new heights.



As the sports industry continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting funding and acquisition deals in the future. These deals will not only shape the landscape of the industry, but also provide opportunities for new players to enter the market and for existing players to expand their reach. Whether it's through new technologies, innovative partnerships, or strategic acquisitions, the sports industry is sure to remain a hotbed of activity for years to come. So stay tuned for more updates and insights on the latest developments in this fast-paced and exciting field.


ScoreCard is for every Sports enthusiast. So, whether you're an athlete, a fan, an investor, or an entrepreneur in the sports and sports tech realm, ScoreCard is the perfect companion for staying up-to-date and inspired. Gear up for an exciting journey, as we embark on this adventure to stay ahead in the game!


We at SportsFirst look forward to ideas, suggestions & contributions to our newsletter.



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