SFIA Offering Start-Up Challenge for Sports Business Industry

For the 5th year, the SFIA Start-Up Challenge is back. This time, virtually! Up to 10 finalists will be selected to compete on the big (virtual) stage in front of 100+ industry executives & thought leaders.

Who Can Apply: Any and all start-ups in the sports and/or fitness category. Businesses rooted in sports/fitness tech, hard goods and/or services are encouraged to apply!

Finalists: SFIA will select up to 10 applicants to present in front of an esteemed panel of judges. All finalists must be available to present (virtually) on May 4, 2021. Finalists will be paired with SFIA's digital media partner, Spark, Inc., to create a five-minute video to highlight and pitch their company. All judges will have watched the finalists' pitch videos prior to the May 4^th event. During the LIVE Start-Up Challenge event on May 4, 2021, each finalist will have a Q&A session with the judges for further evaluation. In addition, all finalists will receive one free year of SFIA membership, a feature in an SFIA research report and a personal introduction to 5 judges of your choice.

Champion: The winner of the SFIA Start-Up Challenge will receive free registration to SFIA's Industry Leaders Summit (annual C-level industry conference; a $1,700 value), a 2022 Start-Up Challenge speaking and judge's seat, national media coverage, a spotlight in SFIA's annual State of the Industry Report, and an exclusive media package with our digital media partner, Spark, Inc.  

Judges: On May 4, 2021, there will be over 100 judges live-streaming the Start-Up Challenge event. Judges will include sports & fitness executives, industry investors, venture capitalists, leaders from private equity and industry experts. Judges will be prepared to provide real-time feedback and questions to each finalist. (Historically, judges have been known to offer investments and discuss future opportunities with finalists on-site.) Click here to see a list of past judges.