The Profluence Pod 🌐

Will Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm built on the belief that sports are more than entertainment—they’re a launchpad for transformative consumer brands, emerging technologies, and cultural movements. With a hands-on approach and a powerful network of athletes, operators, and technologists, Will Ventures invests where passion meets performance.

Aaron Miller is an Investor at Will Ventures, focused on sourcing deals, evaluating opportunities, and supporting portfolio growth at the intersection of sports, media, health, and consumer. Before joining the team, Aaron held roles across some of the most influential organizations shaping global entertainment—from strategy at Netflix to business development at Manticore Games, and LATAM partnerships at the NBA. He also advised global brands during his time at Endeavor and earned his MBA from Stanford GSB after graduating from Harvard.

Chapters:

02:44 – Aaron’s Journey into Sports and Venture Capital

05:26 – Overview of Will Ventures and Investment Focus

08:18 – Emerging Leagues and Investment Strategies

10:50 – Evaluating Founders and Opportunities

12:37 – The Rise of Creator-Led Brands in Sports

15:17 – Youth Sports: Trends and Investment Opportunities 18:04 – International Expansion and Future Outlook

20:50 – Closing Thoughts and Resources

Aaron Miller:

🏠 Website: https://willventures.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-miller-0ba47a78

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

PressBox is redefining how sports organizations connect with fans—automating the creation of highly-personalized, sponsorable content across platforms. Born from the minds of former Bleacher Report engineers, the platform enables leagues to engage the Gen-Z audience by leaning into the athletes, creators, and cultural moments they care about most.

Brian Hough, Co-Founder & CEO, is a seasoned tech executive with roots at Bleacher Report and Turner Sports. With a proven track record in scaling high-growth teams and revenue-driving media platforms, Brian shares how PressBox is transforming content workflows, fueling personalization at scale, and creating new value for leagues and sponsors alike.

Chapters

01:02 – The Evolution of Media Technology in Sports

05:09 – Shifts in Media Business Models

07:48 – Expanding Beyond Sports: Future Aspirations

10:44 – Real-Time Content Creation and Broadcasting

15:44 – The Value Proposition of PressBox

Brian Hough:🏠 Website: https://pressbox.studio/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brhough/Andrew Petcash🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

ShotTracker is redefining how basketball is measured, experienced, and understood. Through a powerful combination of sensors and software, the platform delivers real-time stats on every shot, pass, and possession—helping coaches, players, scouts, and broadcasters make smarter decisions, faster. From youth gyms to elite programs, ShotTracker is building the future of in-game analytics and competitive intelligence.At the helm is Davyeon Ross, a seasoned tech entrepreneur who’s raised over $40M and led innovations across sports and enterprise software. With a deep understanding of product development, go-to-market execution, and strategic partnerships, Davyeon’s leadership has brought ShotTracker to the global stage—including deals with Spalding, Nike, and a legendary alliance with Magic Johnson. In this conversation, he shares what it takes to build lasting sports tech, the role of AI in player development, and how he’s thinking about the next frontier beyond basketball.Chapters: 03:00 – The Evolution of ShotTracker: From Concept to Product Suite06:05 – Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic08:52 – The Role of AI in Sports Technology12:01 – Future Aspirations: Expanding Beyond Basketball19:14 – Navigating Market Turbulence in Sports22:31 – Rebranding and Educating the Market27:49 – Leveraging AI for Player Development32:57 – The Magic Johnson Connection and Strategic Partnerships

Davyeon Ross🏠 Website: https://shottracker.com/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davyeonrossScott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Tyton Partners is the leading advisory firm focused exclusively on the rapidly evolving Global Knowledge Sector. With a unique blend of investment bankers, strategy consultants, and sector operators, Tyton delivers actionable insights and strategic guidance to companies and investors shaping the future of education, human capital, and talent development—including the growing convergence with sports.Brian Feeney, Director at Tyton, brings deep expertise from previous roles at ESPN and Macquarie Capital, along with firsthand experience as an All-American lacrosse player at the University of Pennsylvania. His background bridges media, finance, and athletics—making him uniquely equipped to advise founders and operators at the intersection of sports, education, and innovation.

Chapters

01:33 – Brian Feeney's Background and Tyton Partners

07:51 – Tyton's Focus on Education and Sports

08:40 – The Intersection of Sports and Education

13:44 – Building Relationships with Founders

18:00 – Emerging Trends in Sports Academies

21:30 – The Role of Parents in Youth Sports

24:22 – Emerging Leagues and Educational Opportunities

25:52 – Common Oversights of Founders

29:27 – Transformations in College Sports

33:00 – Balancing Responsibility and Innovation

35:21 – The Future of Sports, Technology, and Education

39:29 – Navigating the School System for Sports Tech

44:47 – Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

Brian Feeney:

🏠 Website: https://tytonpartners.com/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-feeney/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

FanStake is reshaping the future of college sports by empowering fans and supporting athletes through a transparent, risk-free NIL model. Led by Greg Glass—whose background spans startup leadership, SaaS innovation, and community-building—FanStake offers a platform that allows fans to fund athletes directly, without compromising education or compliance.Born from a passion for fairness in sports, FanStake is tackling systemic issues like inequity in athlete compensation and instability in college careers. With a mission to make college sports more engaging for fans and more sustainable for programs of all sizes, FanStake is a new-age NIL solution driven by values: protect the athlete, protect the team, empower the fan.Backed by Greg’s experience scaling ventures like Homebound, LinkedIn, and Qwill, FanStake is helping redefine what the future of athlete empowerment and fan influence can look like.

Chapters:

01:04 – Building the founding team and early vision

03:50 – How FanStake works: transparency meets NIL

07:18 – Fundraising in a shifting market

11:26 – Fan-first business model explained

15:04 – Building stronger fan-athlete connections

18:02 – Navigating NCAA uncertainty

21:58 – What’s next for NIL and college sports

25:39 – Why financial literacy matters more than ever

27:57 – Greg’s predictions for the future of NIL

Greg Glass:

🏠 Website: https://fanstake.com/welcome

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryglass/

Andrew Petcash

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash

📺 Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

TheLinkU emerged in 2022 to guide colleges and athletes through the fast‑moving Name, Image & Likeness era. Built by Austin Elrod—whose background spans sports administration, operations, and sales—and co‑founder Troy Kyle, the SaaS platform handles compliance, marketing, and delayed‑payment services that help more than 1,100 athletes manage earnings responsibly. Partnerships with programs from Houston to UCLA highlight rapid traction, and the recent disbursement of $400 k in safeguarded NIL funds underscores a mission to “Champion Integrity in Every Play.”Core values drive every product decision: protect the athlete, protect the university, protect the sponsor. TheLinkU delivers turnkey financial‑literacy tools, NCAA‑compliant workflows, and real‑time reporting so athletic departments stay ahead of regulation while athletes build lasting legacies.Chapters: 02:41 – Navigating the Sports Industry: Insights and Challenges05:29 – The Evolution of LinkU: Services and Offerings08:10 – Preparing for Revenue Sharing: Insights and Strategies10:44 – Morgan Stanley Partnership: Financial Literacy for Athletes13:26 – The Impact of Revenue Sharing on College Athletics16:14 – Future of College Sports: Trends and Predictions18:49 – Focus on Female and Olympic Sports21:34 – Conclusion and Future Outlook

Phoenix Capital Ventures (PCV) is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in the future of sports, gaming, human performance, and immersive media. The firm partners with bold founders at the earliest stages, backing those obsessed with solving real problems in and around the sports ecosystem.Adam Lewites is Managing Director at PCV. He began his career as a college basketball coach before entering the startup world as a founding team member at Insightpool. Adam later helped scale several Atlanta-based startups and played a key role in launching Endeavor Atlanta, a global network supporting high-impact entrepreneurs. Today, he combines his deep operational experience with a passion for sports innovation to help founders build category-defining companies.

Chapters:

(02:17) The Journey from Founder to Investor

(04:39) Understanding the Founder-Investor Dynamic

(07:13) The Importance of Founder Obsession

(09:55) Optimism in Sports Investment

(12:31) Phoenix Capital Ventures: Investment Strategy

(14:49) Navigating Dilution and Pro Rata Rights

(17:01) Current Trends in Sports and Entertainment

(19:18) The Future of Sports and Technology

(21:41) Prosumer Trends in Sports

(24:12) Conclusion and Future Outlook

Adam Lewites:

🏠 Website: https://pcv.fund/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-lewites-70482253/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Angella Goran is a lifelong athlete, former professional cyclist, and visionary behind The Power Hour — a global movement to get millions of people moving at the exact same time in a unified, measurable act of wellness. What started as a personal legacy project in honor of her father has grown into an international initiative backed by Strava, Snap Fitness, and Allegiant Stadium, aiming to break a Guinness World Record while promoting physical, mental, and financial wellbeing across the globe.With a deep background in sport, entrepreneurship, and social impact, Angella is setting a new standard for how we activate communities through movement. The Power Hour is about more than just fitness — it’s about collective energy, equitable access, and creating a ripple effect of health that touches every corner of society.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Angella Goran and Power Hour

02:47 The Genesis of Power Hour

05:37 Participation and Global Impact

08:41 Goals and Vision for Power Hour

11:26 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Angella Goran:

🏠Website: https://www.tapango.com/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angella-g-b382369/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Relay Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm backing exceptional founders at the intersection of SportsTech, gaming, and media. With deep roots across North America, Relay brings a hands-on approach that goes beyond capital—supporting entrepreneurs with strategic networks, operational expertise, and industry insight.

As a co-founder of the firm, John Albright focuses exclusively on the evolution of sports and its adjacent markets, including athlete performance, fan engagement, and digital media. From emerging leagues to transformative technologies, he shares perspectives on what’s driving the next era of innovation and how Relay Ventures evaluates founders, markets, and long-term opportunities.
03:04 Investment Strategies in Early-Stage Sports Tech
06:02 Evaluating Founders and Market Potential
09:01 The Donut of Sports: Connecting Teams and Solutions
11:48 Emerging Sports and Revenue Generation
14:50 Concerns in the Sports Investment Landscape
20:00 The Future of Sports Investments and Player 12
26:45 Closing Thoughts and Opportunities

John Albright🏠 Website:⁠ https://relay.vc/💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlalbright/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠

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Steve Delsohn is the founder of Delsohn Strategies, a boutique communications firm helping top executives and founders secure impactful national media exposure. With a background as a Peabody Award–winning investigative reporter at ESPN’s Outside the Lines, Delsohn brings decades of experience in journalism, authorship, and documentary storytelling to the world of strategic PR.

Having written 12 books and produced content for 30 for 30 and the History Channel, Delsohn now works behind the scenes to craft compelling narratives, elevate personal brands, and pitch stories that resonate. His firm specializes in positioning leaders at the intersection of sports, business, and media—helping them authentically connect with the audiences that matter most.

Chapter:
02:58 Transition from Journalism to PR
06:01 The Role of Media Coverage in PR
08:53 Building Personal Brands for Founders
12:06 The Importance of Authenticity in Interviews
15:09 Criteria for Successful PR Engagements
17:58 Crafting Effective Media Pitches
20:58 Current Trends in Sports and Sports Tech
24:01 Emerging Leagues and Youth Sports
26:58 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Eberg Capital is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments across the sports entertainment ecosystem, including sports franchises, betting, media, and technology-driven experiences. Roger Ehrenberg brings decades of expertise from the tech and venture worlds to the evolving sports landscape, backing founders building the next generation of transformative companies.

By investing early in high-potential businesses, Eberg Capital aims to drive innovation where sports, media, and technology intersect. With a focus on founder quality, market size, and long-term impact, they are shaping the way fans engage with sports, betting, and entertainment across the globe.

00:00 Introduction to Eberg Capital
02:36 Challenges in Sports Investment
04:54 The Appeal of Early Stage Investments
07:37 Transitioning from Tech to Sports Investment
10:16 Understanding the Market Size in Sports
12:41 Factors Igniting Sports Investment
15:05 Exploring Investment Categories
17:21 Future Directions and Exciting Opportunities
20:03 The Importance of Founders in Investment
22:18 Conclusion and How to Connect with Eberg Capital

Roger Ehrenberg:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://www.ebergcapital.com/

💼LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rehrenberg/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Geetansh Sahni is a venture capitalist at Yashaa Global Capital, a firm focused on investing in the future of sports, gaming, and performance. With a presence across Asia and support from elite athletes and experienced investors, Yashaa backs early-stage companies that are redefining the sports and media landscape.This conversation explores Yashaa’s investment thesis, geographic focus, and approach to evaluating opportunities in emerging markets. Sahni outlines how the team identifies founders, the qualities they look for, and how broader macro trends like youth sports and digital media are shaping their strategy.He also shares perspectives on the evolving role of capital in scaling new ventures and building sustainable ecosystems. The discussion highlights how sports and technology are converging to unlock new models for engagement, monetization, and growth.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Yashaa Global Capital

02:44 – Investment Thesis and Fund Structure

05:04 – Deployment Strategy and Deal Evaluation

05:58 – Sports and Media Influence

07:09 – Team Dynamics and Founders' Qualities

10:07 – Macro Trends in Sports Investment

12:43 – Youth Sports and Market Opportunities

15:19 – Conclusion and Future Outlook

Geetansh Sahni:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://daoneglobal.vc/

💼LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/geetanshsahni/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Brooks Schaden is the co-CEO of Tom’s Watch Bar, the fast-growing sports bar concept redefining how fans experience live games. With 14 profitable venues across major sports cities and plans to expand by 50% this year, Tom’s is becoming the go-to destination for immersive sports viewing—with 360-degree screens, elevated stadium food, and all-sports-all-the-time programming.Brooks shares how Tom’s is tapping into evolving fan demographics, the rise of sports betting, and strategic partnerships to fuel growth. From hosting 600+ watch parties to pulling in $7M AUVs, this is a masterclass on turning sports passion into business performance.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Tom's Watch Bar and Brooks' Journey02:37 – The Evolution of Sports Engagement05:35 – Navigating the COVID Challenge08:24 – Creating a Unique Sports Experience10:56 – Engaging Diverse Fan Bases13:51 – The Impact of Sports Betting16:44 – Strategic Partnerships and Growth19:31 – Future Expansion Plans22:08 – Building a Community Around Sports24:46 – Final Thoughts and InsightsBrooks Schaden:🏠Website: https://tomswatchbar.com/ 💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooks-schaden-35564a11/Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listeining! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Chad Wilton is the Co-Founder & CEO of PEAK, a new global gathering built to unite the world of SportsTech. As the industry rapidly evolves across athlete performance, fan engagement, and stadium innovation, PEAK is positioning itself as the central hub where top founders, investors, and executives come together to shape what’s next.With a background in launching high-impact events, Chad shares the inspiration behind PEAK, how he’s creating a platform that blends networking, live demos, and visionary insights—and why 2024 is the moment to go big. From community building to global ambition, this is a deep dive into the future of SportsTech convening.

Chapters

04:15 – The Passion for Events and Their Impact

09:04 – The Vision Behind PEAK

13:25 – Building a Unique Event Experience

18:08 – The Team Behind PEAK and Future Goals

Chad Wilton:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://peakconf.com/

💼LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-wilton-67453530/?originalSubdomain=ca

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Chris Hetherington is an 11-year NFL veteran turned serial CEO, now leading the charge as CEO of Fathead. With a Yale degree in psychology and executive education from Harvard and Wharton, Chris brings elite performance from the field into the boardroom—where he's known for building strong teams, scaling brands, and turning vision into action.At Fathead, Chris is reviving and evolving the iconic fan brand through strategic marketing, expanded IP, and innovative digital tools. Under his leadership, Fathead is helping fans celebrate what they love most—whether through larger-than-life graphics, personalized cutouts, or immersive app experiences.Chris shares what he’s learned from both professional sports and entrepreneurship—discussing leadership, brand engagement, marketing challenges, and what it takes to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced fan economy.

Chapters:

00:57 - Chris's Journey in Sports and Business

03:15 - Reviving the Fathead Brand

04:13 - Marketing Strategies for Brand Revival

07:05 - Expanding IP and Global Reach

10:18 - Building a Strong Operational Team

12:29 - Integrating Digital and Physical Experiences

15:28 - User-Generated Content and Brand Engagement

17:28 - Challenges in Marketing and Customer Acquisition

19:44 - Lessons from NFL Culture

21:46 - Staying Informed and Growing as a Leader

24:18 - Iconic Fathead Products and Future Directions

Chris Hetherington:

🏠Website: https://fathead.com/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hetherington-36597a46/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Dr. Jim Borchers is the President and CEO of the U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health (USCAH) and the Chief Medical Officer for the Big Ten Conference. With nearly two decades as a team physician for Ohio State football and seven years as head team physician for the entire athletic department, Dr. Borchers is a leading advocate for athlete health and safety.

USCAH partners with 300+ universities, 20+ conferences, and numerous high schools and youth sports organizations to ensure athlete well-being remains a top priority. By providing education, policy development, and risk management strategies, USCAH is shaping the future of sports healthcare.

Chapters:02:39 - The Evolution of Athletic Healthcare
06:30 - Role of the Chief Medical Officer in Sports
07:10 - US Council for Athletes’ Health: Mission and Impact
09:03 - Health and Safety Issues in Sports
11:58 - Continuity in Athletic Healthcare Across Levels

Akshat Prakash:

🏠 Website: https://uscah.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-borchers-md/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

John D’Orsay is the CEO of EventConnect, a leading technology platform transforming the way sports tournaments are managed. With over 20 years of experience in technology, data, and automation, John is dedicated to streamlining tournament operations through innovative digital solutions. EventConnect is redefining sports event management by integrating cutting-edge technology with unparalleled service. Their platform helps organizers scale efficiently, improve coordination, and enhance the overall tournament experience for athletes, coaches, and parents.As the youth sports industry evolves, John shares insights on capital raising, private equity's impact, AI-driven sports management, and the future of technology in sports events and education.

Chapters:

02:31 - The Evolution of Youth Sports and EventConnect

05:11 - Navigating the Startup Journey and Capital Raising

07:56 - Understanding the Product and Market Strategy

10:28 - The Impact of Private Equity on Youth Sports

13:11 - Future Trends in Youth Sports and EventConnect's Vision

15:56 - Leveraging AI and Data in Sports Management

18:28 - The Future of Youth Sports and Education

John D’Orsay:

🏠Website: https://eventconnectsports.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndorsay/?originalSubdomain=ca

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Akshat Prakash is the CTO of Camb.ai, an AI-driven company revolutionizing language accessibility. With a background in AI from Carnegie Mellon and experience at Apple AI, Ack is at the forefront of innovation, helping enterprises and creators reach global audiences.Camb.ai’s proprietary models, MARS & BOLI, have been leveraged by sports leagues, filmmakers, and content creators to seamlessly adapt content across languages. Their mission is to ensure that ideas and opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of language barriers.With AI rapidly transforming sports, media, and education, Ack brings valuable insights into emerging trends, talent scouting in tech, and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.Chapters: 02:37 - The Evolution of AI in Sports and Education 05:26 - Scouting Young Talent in Coding 08:27 - The Business of Sports Tech and AI 11:01 - Expanding Beyond Sports: Opportunities in Media and Education 13:34 - Navigating B2B and B2C Markets 16:24 - Emerging Trends in AI and Language Models 19:20 - The Future of AI: Towards Super IntelligenceAkshat Prakash:🏠 Website: https://www.camb.ai/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshat-prakash/Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Max Ade, Co-Founder of Pickleheads, is leading the charge in solving one of the biggest challenges facing the fastest-growing sport in America — pickleball. With 36.5 million players and counting, the sport’s rapid rise has created a surge in court shortages, long wait times, and overwhelmed organizers.To tackle these issues, Max and his team built Pickleheads, a platform that helps players connect, find local games, and organize matches seamlessly. With over 377,200 members and a recent $2.5 million seed round, Pickleheads is scaling rapidly as the digital home for pickleball players.Whether you're a casual player or a dedicated competitor, Pickleheads is helping players nationwide find their community, improve their game, and stay connected to the sport they love.

Chapters:

2:30 - The Growth of Pickleball and Market Insights

5:00 - Building a Community and Customer Acquisition Strategy

7:42 - Understanding the Pickleball Market and Participation Trends

10:15 - The Social Aspect of Pickleball and Its Unique Appeal

12:53 - Navigating Growth and Capital Raising for Pickleball

15:44 - Adapting to Skill Levels and Player Needs

18:26 - Future Vision and Trends in Pickleball

20:45 - Learning from Other Sports and Companies

Max Ade:

🏠 Website: https://www.pickleheads.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adesome/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Keith Stein, CEO of the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball team, is making waves in sports by spearheading the return of professional women’s baseball — the first league of its kind in North America since the 1950s. The Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) is set to debut in 2025, with six teams playing in intimate ballparks and plans for a national broadcast deal.Keith’s journey into baseball was inspired by his collaboration with Justine Siegal, a trailblazer in the sport and the first woman to pitch to an MLB team and coach a professional men's team. Together, they’re driving a movement to create a long-overdue platform for women in baseball.The WPBL has already attracted over 800 of the world’s best players, drawing media coverage from CBS, The New York Times, and even Saturday Night Live — a testament to the league’s cultural impact and momentum.

Chapters: 1:13 - The Vision Behind the League

3:50 - Understanding the Game Structure

7:09 - Business Insights and Experiences

10:53 - Ownership Models and Strategies

16:12 - Real Estate and Infrastructure Needs

18:29 - Leveraging Celebrity Influence

22:12 - Compensation and Player Opportunities

24:49 - Personal Growth and Learning

Keith Stein:

Website: https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womensprobaseballleague/

Scott Garber

Website: https://profluence.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Balltime is the first-ever Volleyball AI platform, trusted by 3,800+ teams worldwide for their video and analytics needs. By fully automating stats and data collection, Balltime provides teams with instant access to crucial performance metrics like serve speed, attack height, jump trajectories, and 3D play visualization—empowering athletes and coaches with game-changing insights.Now, Hudl, a global leader in sports technology, has acquired Balltime, integrating its AI-driven analytics into Hudl’s comprehensive suite of volleyball solutions. Hudl already powers over 300,000 teams worldwide, offering tools to elevate performance, streamline operations, drive recruitment, and engage fans. In 2024 alone, Hudl provided data from nearly half a million volleyball matches, supporting over 40,000 high schools, clubs, colleges, and national teams.With Hudl now serving over 400,000 volleyball users in 79 countries, the impact of AI and real-time video analysis on coaching, scouting, and player development is bigger than ever. The combination of Hudl’s deep sports technology expertise and Balltime’s instant data processing capabilities is pushing volleyball into a new era of precision and innovation.Chapters:(01:23) - The Origin Story of Balltime(04:07) - Building a Community Around Volleyball(06:47) - Hudl’s Role in the Volleyball Market(08:57) - The Future of Volleyball & Technology Integration(11:51) - Understanding the Volleyball Community(15:18) - Navigating the Sports Tech Landscape(17:16) - The Acquisition Journey of Balltime(20:22) - Product Integration & User Experience(24:07) - Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Volleyball & HudlHudl & Balltime:🏠Website: https://www.balltime.com/; https://www.hudl.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-banon-498362a2/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarrynktietjen/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

The Future of Sports Coverage is Here! Today's guest is David Shapiro, and we’re diving into how Pixellot has become the biggest sports production platform in the world! 🏟️ 40,000+ venues 📺 1.3 million games streamed per year 🔥 5,000 games produced simultaneously—all powered by AI! David Shapiro has spent nearly two decades shaping the youth sports industry. He was the CEO of Steel Sports and played a key role at Positive Coaching Alliance. Now, as President of U.S. Youth Division and Head of U.S. Sales at Pixellot, he is leading the charge in transforming how youth sports are captured, shared, and experienced. Pixellot uses AI-driven multi-camera systems to bring professional-grade video to youth sports. The company is making high-quality sports coverage more accessible, empowering teams, families, and coaches.From youth leagues to the pros, Pixellot is redefining sports broadcasting with cutting-edge automation. You don’t want to miss this one! Chapters: (01:09) - Introduction to Pixellot and David’s Story (02:44) - The Integration of Sports and Technology (05:45) - Understanding Automated Sports Production (08:09) - Trends in Video Capture and AI in Sports (11:02) - Emerging Sports and Market Opportunities (14:03) - Health, Wellness, and Player Analytics (16:44) - The Role of Video in Coaching and Player Development (19:40) - Future Innovations and Partnerships at Pixellot David Shapiro 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnshapiro/ Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/
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INTENNSE is redefining professional team tennis with a fresh approach to competition, player engagement, and expansion. With $4M already secured and plans for a Friends & Family round and a formal raise in 2025, CEO Charles Allen is building a sustainable, fan-first league backed by strategic partnerships and smart capital allocation. Charles’ journey is anything but conventional. From studying theater and political science to co-founding a groundbreaking B2B tech company and pioneering data standards in tennis, his career has spanned industries. His latest venture, INTENNSE, blends innovation, technology, and a deep passion for the sport. In this episode, Charles dives into his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and opportunities in tennis, and how his unconventional background has shaped INTENNSE’s vision. He shares insights on industry trends, strategic fundraising, and what it takes to build a fan-first sports league. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on innovation, technology, and the future of professional tennis. Chapters: (01:41) - Launching a Professional Team Tennis League (03:20) - Identifying Issues in Tennis (08:53) - Innovative Engagement Model for Tennis (13:06) - Building Community and Player Engagement (17:40) - Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships (24:39) - Navigating Capital and Smart Money (27:40) - Corporate Social Responsibility in Sports (30:28) - Strategic City Selection and Expansion Plans (32:45) - Player Wellness and Safety in New Leagues (35:30) - Building a Fan Base and Revenue Streams Charles Allen 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesaallen/ 🏠 Website: https://intennse.com/ Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Enjoyed this discussion? Join Profluence today - the go-to hub for builders in sports: https://community.profluence.com/

Founded in 2018 to streamline the connection between sports events and host venues, Playeasy has grown into the leading sports tourism platform in the United States. Today, it connects over 300 cities, 14,000 sports facilities, 5,000 sports events, 20,000 restaurants and attractions, and 13,000 hotels.

Playeasy supports destinations, event operators, and visitors at every stage of the sports tourism life cycle—from event venue selection and visitor experiences to post-event economic impact reporting. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI, Playeasy is transforming how cities engage with travelers and redefining the sports tourism experience. Chapters: (01:04) - Sean’s Journey: From Football Player to Co-Founder of Playeasy (04:36) - Navigating Business Challenges During COVID (09:07) - The Evolution of Playeasy’s Business Model (13:59) - Understanding Sports Tourism and Its Economic Impact (18:55) - Leveraging AI for Enhanced Visitor Experiences (23:31) - Building Trust and Adoption in Technology (28:06) - Future Aspirations for Community Engagement Sean Flaherty 🏠 Website: https://www.playeasy.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-flaherty-2481044b/ Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Five Iron Golf began in 2017 as a bold venture to transform how people experience golf in urban settings. Combining cutting-edge technology with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, Five Iron Golf quickly became a hub for both serious players and casual enthusiasts, offering simulators, lessons, food, drinks, and entertainment in a social environment. The company’s unique blend of hospitality and high-tech innovation has reshaped golf culture in cities, expanding rapidly from its Manhattan roots to locations across the country. Five Iron Golf stands out by making golf accessible and fun for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned pros. Jared Solomon, co-founder and CEO of Five Iron Golf, has been instrumental in driving this vision forward. His leadership has turned a shared idea into a thriving business that is now a leader in urban golf experiences. Chapters: 2:20 – Building Community vs. Commoditization in Sports 5:52 – Private Equity's Role in Sports Entertainment 8:57 – The Daytime Experience: Catering to Serious Golfers 11:51 – Listening to Customers: The Importance of Feedback 14:57 – Scaling Hospitality: From Founders to a Large Team 18:07 – Leveraging Technology in Sports Entertainment 21:11 – The Future of Golf: Off-Course and On-Course Dynamics 27:04 – The Next Five Years for Five Iron Golf Jared Solomon 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-solomon-3b7586169/ 🏠 Website: https://fiveirongolf.com/ Andrew Petcash 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

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