DivInc, a premier startup accelerator for people of color and women entrepreneurs, is proud to announce the launch of its first Sports Tech Accelerator. This is possible through the support from the title sponsor, Verizon.
The power of the accelerator
DivInc’s 5G Sports Tech Accelerator in partnership with Verizon supports startups using technology to drive human performance, fan experience, the future of media, sports betting, esports and gaming innovation. It identifies and provides sports and esports startups with the resources they need. These startups need support to succeed in the global sports technology market, projected to reach $41 Billion by 2026.
“DivInc is excited and proud to lead this sports innovation initiative. It represents the beginning of an unprecedented collaboration throughout Houston and Texas,” remarked Preston James, DivInc Co-Founder and CEO. “Houston is putting a stake in the ground to establish itself as a leading sports innovation hub in the US. We’re making it authentically inclusive of underrepresented founders from the beginning, the way it’s supposed to be.”
DivInc collaborates with professional sports and sports tech subject matter experts to serve as mentors, advisors, coaches and investors to help cohort founders build businesses that attract teams, leagues and agencies. “Our mentors are some of the industry’s best. They include venture-backed founders, professional athletes, angel investors, venture capitalists, VP & C-level executives from professional teams and leagues and domain experts. They can provide unique insights and opportunities for this cohort and future cohorts,” says Ashley DeWalt, Managing Director in Houston.
Program details
In total, 10 companies will join the 12-week program. It will run from April through June 2022 and take place at The Ion in the heart of Midtown Houston. Upon completion of the program, each participating company will receive $10,000 non-dilutive seed funding provided by Verizon.
“Verizon is so pleased to continue its partnership with DivInc in Houston. We can support diverse and underrepresented founders expanding to sports tech,” said Carrie Hughes, Director of Social Innovation for Verizon. “We look forward to supporting innovators in this space, where Verizon is experienced, and which has the potential to be transformed by 5G and leading-edge technology.”
Throughout the accelerator, Verizon will also work with the DivInc team on programming and thought leadership initiatives.
The Spring 2022 5G Sports Tech Accelerator in partnership with Verizon has support from Houston premier partners, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., The Ion and Mercury, along with supporting sponsor, Intel, and programming partners HTX Sports Tech, The Cannon Sports & Media, Sports Innovation Texas and Women in Sports Tech.
Learn more at divinc.org/sportstech.
Read The Business of Women’s Sports: Viewership, Sponsorship and Leadership.
About DivInc
DivInc is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Its mission is to generate social and economic equity through entrepreneurship by equipping underrepresented founders with access to the critical resources they need to build investable companies. Founded in Austin in 2016, DivInc has supported 73 companies. Learn more at divinc.org/.
About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.
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