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Who said a baseball team couldn't jump into the rapidly growing tech scene in LA? Nobody apparently, as The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Tuesday they're opening an accelerator program. They will open in conjunction with R/GA, a design and marketing agency that's part of the Global Accelerator Network.
The accelerator will aim to boost companies with an intersection of tech, sports, and entertainment with innovative products and services.
Ten early- and late-stage startups will be chosen for the first class and will have the opportunity to leverage Dodger partnerships and relationships.
"The sports industry is ripe with opportunities for innovation," Tucker Kain, Chief Financial Officer of the Dodgers, said in a statement. "There are countless ways for new technology to create more powerful consumer experiences, heighten fan engagement, and improve efficiencies. We're thrilled at the opportunity to work with some of the best sports-centric startups from the LA area and across the globe."
"The Dodgers continue to build on a strong partnership with the city of Los Angeles, and with the launch of this Accelerator, the Dodgers are committed to helping bring sports innovation and entrepreneurship to this great city," Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement.
Program areas of interest include (but are not limited to) integrated solutions in the areas of Fan Engagement, Fan Relationship Management, eSports, Smart Arenas, Big Data & Analytics, Fitness and Youth Sports, Sports Training, and Sponsor Integration. The program will be operated by R/GA, which will bring to the program its full set of agency services along with its network of global brand partners.
Companies from around the world can apply now through June 29th. The program will start on August 17th, concluding in early November with an invite-only Demo Day, where each company will have the opportunity to present to investors, industry leaders, and the sports, technology, and entertainment communities.
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