From tech to turf, Miami is flexing its sportstech muscles

Meet the startups redefining sports performance, betting, analytics, fan experiences, and beyond

By Riley Kaminer

It’s no secret that Miami is one of the fittest cities. Our hometown sports teams hold their own (Dolphins 1972 – we rest our case). We’re also home to top athletes, from Messi and Beckham to Jeter and Djokovic.

But where do we stack up when it comes to the technology powering sports? It’s a subsector valued at around $13 billion and set to explode at a compound annual growth rate of more than 20%.

Let’s check out some of the Miami founders putting in the reps required to build the next generation of sportstech.

Powering performance

Miami’s sportstech scene is making serious moves in science and performance. For instance, Boca-based KinaTrax has become a go-to for biomechanics, using markerless motion capture to analyze athletes in action. Major League Baseball teams are all over it, and Sony recently snapped up the company to take their sports data game to the next level.

SportsEdTV is another standout, offering pro-level coaching content to athletes everywhere. This Miami startup raised $3 million to grow its library of instructional videos, making it easier than ever to learn how to swing like a pro or perfect your form.

For those keeping it home-based, Amp is bringing the gym to your living room with AI-powered fitness plans that adjust to your progress. And then there’s 54D: Known for its high-energy programs that combine workouts, nutrition, and recovery, they’ve gone digital and expanded into Broward to meet demand from their ever-growing fanbase.

Raising the stakes

More of a spectator than a player? Here’s something for you.

Miami’s sportstech scene is buzzing with startups shaking up the betting world. Winible, for instance, is giving sports influencers a new way to cash in on their insights. They’ve built a platform where experts can set up digital storefronts to share predictions and tips. In March 2024, Winible pulled in $6 million in seed funding, with big names like NFL legend Ray Lewis and Inspired Capital backing the venture.

Then there’s Betr, co-founded by Joey Levy and social media personality Jake Paul [pictured below]. They’re on a mission to make sports betting more straightforward for casual fans. Betr started with microbetting – letting users wager on small, in-game events – and is now expanding its offerings. In mid-2023, they secured $35 million in Series A2 funding, bumping their valuation up to $300 million.

On the compliance side, IC360 is helping betting platforms stay on the right side of regulations. Their tools and services are all about keeping the betting environment fair and transparent, which is crucial as the industry grows.

Redefining sports analytics with AI

Miami startups are pushing the boundaries of AI in sports analytics, with companies like Gemini Sports Analytics and SportsVisio leading the charge.

Gemini, founded by Jake Schuster, has secured over $7 million in funding to develop its no-code AI platform for predictive modeling. With backing from investors like Miami Marlins co-owner Roger Ehrenberg, the company partners with NCAA teams, European soccer clubs, and the NFL to enhance decision-making for front offices.

SportsVisio, founded by Jason Syversen, is transforming basketball analytics through AI-powered tools that automate stats, generate video highlights, and provide real-time insights. The company has raised over $6 million and allows players, coaches, and parents to easily record and analyze games using just a smartphone.

Transforming how fans experience sports with immersive tech and content

Tech innovation is changing how fans experience sports. Case in point: StatusPRO, which has taken immersive sports to the next level with its virtual reality simulations. Whether you want to experience being on the NFL field or explore other sports scenarios, StatusPRO’s platform puts users directly into the action. Backed by $20 million in Series A funding, it’s already being used by NFL teams and fans alike.

*StarusPro co-founders Andrew “Hawk” Hawkins and Troy Jones*

For those who want to catch the action without the time commitment, Highlights App delivers curated clips from games so you can keep up with your favorite teams or leagues on the go.

Fz SportsMeanwhile, Fz Sports is building a comprehensive ecosystem for sports content. Through Fanatiz, they provide live and on-demand soccer streaming to fans worldwide, while Nunchee powers the tech behind streaming platforms. On the business side, 1190 Sports manages and markets sports rights, bringing sports broadcasting to the modern era. Together, these innovations are redefining the way fans watch, interact with, and engage in sports.

Connecting athletes and organizers with smarter event management

Organizing or participating in sports has never been easier thanks to Miami’s event and community-focused startups. Haku simplifies endurance sports for organizers, offering an all-in-one admin platform to handle registration, communication, and event logistics. With its streamlined approach, Haku has become a must-have tool for managing marathons, triathlons, and other large-scale events.

For casual players, Plei makes it simple to find a soccer game. This pickup soccer app connects players and teams, helping grow local soccer communities one match at a time. With $1.22 million in funding to expand globally, Plei is kicking its way into more cities and countries, making soccer accessible for everyone.

Revolutionizing collectibles and fan engagement with blockchain innovation

Let’s explore the intersection of sports, blockchain, and collectibles.

Loupe, a platform for sports card collectors, brings enthusiasts together for live trading and engagement. After landing $12 million in funding, Loupe is scaling its operations to connect even more collectors around the world.

Superlogic, previously known as OneOf, is diving deeper into NFTs in the sports vertical. Its blockchain-backed platform helps athletes, artists, and brands engage with fans in new ways.

Blockchain is also making its way onto the soccer field. Inter Miami’s partnership with Polkadot is designed to enhance fan interaction and streamline team operations using blockchain tech. Meanwhile, Planet ReFi leverages soccer’s global appeal to drive environmental impact projects, proving that sports fandom and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

Empowering college athletes through NIL opportunities

There have never been more avenues for student-athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Miami-based startups are at the forefront of this transformation, providing platforms that connect athletes with sponsorships while ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations.

NOCAP Sports, founded in May 2020, offers a free digital marketplace that facilitates seamless connections between athletes, schools, and businesses for NIL transactions. In November 2021, the company secured a $2.5 million seed round led by Florida Funders.

Athliance, based in Fort Lauderdale, provides a comprehensive NIL opportunity management and education platform designed to help compliance departments navigate the complexities of NIL deals. The platform streamlines the disclosure process, ensuring that student-athletes and institutions adhere to state, federal, and NCAA regulations.

eSports innovation and competition

Miami’s eSports landscape is thriving, with startups and events that are reshaping the gaming industry.

Gaming Frog, based in Boca Raton, has carved out a niche by offering a platform where gamers can compete in skill-based matches for popular titles like FIFA and Madden NFL. By facilitating player-to-player competitions, Gaming Frog is tapping into the expanding eSports market, providing gamers with opportunities to showcase their skills and win prizes.

AEXLAB, a Miami-based virtual reality technology company, has developed VAIL VR, a multiplayer shooter that delivers an immersive combat experience in virtual reality. In January 2024, AEXLAB hosted the Miami VAIL Major, a significant tournament that brought together top players and creators in the VR community. The event was part of a broader initiative to foster a new era of gaming events, with plans for annual tournaments across different cities worldwide.

InBattle, originally from Chile, has relocated to Miami’s Wynwood district, bringing with it an immersive virtual reality gaming experience. Offering full-body VR battles, InBattle provides players with a unique blend of physical and virtual challenges.

The Drone Racing League [pictured at top of this post] has also made its mark in Miami, hosting its World Championship event at LoanDepot Park – attracting a global audience and showcasing Miami as a premier destination for cutting-edge sports entertainment.

Additionally, Faraway, a gaming studio founded by Palm Beach Gardens natives, has secured $29 million in funding to develop the future of blockchain gaming. By integrating blockchain technology into game development, Faraway aims to create decentralized gaming experiences that empower players and redefine ownership within the gaming ecosystem.

From performance to fan engagement, analytics, and gaming, these startups are shaping the future of sports. Is this all a playbook for sportstech success? Clearly, Miami doesn’t just compete – it wins.

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Riley Kaminer

I am a Miami-based technology researcher and writer with a passion for sharing stories about the South Florida tech ecosystem. I particularly enjoy learning about GovTech startups, cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence, and innovators that leverage technology to transform society for the better. Always open for pitches via Twitter @rileywk or www.RileyKaminer.com.