Six of the best sports startups to look at this year

Sport is a market that countless companies and businesses have tried to capitalise on over the years, with some enjoying great success and others falling flat on their faces. It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular market – finding the ‘next big thing’ could turn you into a millionaire overnight and there is plenty of rope to play with. 

In 2022, the global sports technology market was valued at $13.14bn and with that figure expected to grow in the coming years, it’s no surprise to anyone that more and market sports startups are popping up almost at regular intervals.

Which ones will stand the test of time? Here are six sports startups that we think have a chance of exploding in 2024. 

The best sports startups 2024

FanHub

FanHub uses Web 3.0 technology to connect sports teams and brands with their fans in a fun and interactive way. The platform allows users to follow their favourite teams, record any matches they’ve attended and participate in fun games such as score predictors. 

The more fans interact with their favourite clubs, the more they are rewarded with points. These points can then be redeemed for real-life rewards such as match tickets or drinks/merchandise at the next match they attend. 

Gemini Sports Analytics

Gemini Sports Analytics are already making waves in the real world as an AI-powered insights platform that can help professional sports teams find the marginal differences that can be the difference between winning and losing at the elite level. 

Gemini aren’t particularly niche with what they are targeting as they look at everything from player performance for coaches through to talent identification for scouts. Their data insights have proven a hit already with NFL franchise, Indianapolis Colts already partnered with the platform. 

Carv

Carv is a platform that acts as a personal coach specifically for skiers. Unlike other platforms, Carv isn’t made simply for elite-level athletes but rather for everyone of all abilities – its USP is that it shapes its programme entirely based on the individual using it. 

Carv incorporates wearable technology to provide detailed feedback on each user’s ability. Simply insert one of their trackers onto your ski boot and you’ll be good to go. The data it then gathers will blow your mind and make you a better ski-er in no time. 

Recent developments have even given the app the capability to provide actionable guidance in real-time. Pair the wearable tech to the Carv app, put some headphones onand allow your virtual coach to offer insight while you’re on the slopes. 

Find a Player

If you’re looking to find new people to play a certain sport with then Find a Player is a startup that is going to be hugely beneficial. Likewise, if you have a weekly five-a-side match and you are a few players short, then this platform will help you fill those gaps. 

Once you have a group sorted for a training session or match, the platform also allows the organiser(s) to set up a group chat with all participants and collect payments if money is involved for equipment/pitch booking.

Runna

Finding the motivation to keep your running routines fresh and exciting can be tiresome, particularly if your are experiencing a rut in terms of performance. Runna is mobile phone app that is tailored to each user’s specific goals, fitness levels, ability and schedule. 

The app gathers all the necessary data on each user and then organises the perfect training regimes for them to help them achieve what they are after, whether that be to simply run a 5k or smash their personal best in an ultramarathon. It can also be integrated with popular fitness devices such as Fitbit and Garmin. 

Hytro

Hytro is a startup that utlises Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearables, designed to improve sporting performance regardless of your level. Hydro’s wearables simplify BFR and help users on their sporting journeys by enhancing exercise preparation, improving training adaption and helping them with pain management and recovery.