Arsenal Innovation Lab launches hunt for tech startups
Tech startups focused on fan experience can now apply to the Arsenal Innovation Lab powered by Yolo Group.
Arsenal Innovation Lab will create new opportunities for Arsenal fans around the world as it searches for a cohort of inventive startups with solutions on the following themes:
· Bringing fans closer to club: making it easier for supporters to maximise their Arsenal experience
· Connecting with new fans: digital solutions to reach new Arsenal fans around the world
· Frontier digital and crypto economy technologies that enhance the fan experience
Selected innovators will participate in a seven-week pilot culminating in a pitch to Arsenal decision makers to seek a possible collaboration with the club. There is also a £250,000 discretionary investment and prize pool to help businesses develop their solutions.
Innovation is a central focus for the club, which originally launched the Arsenal Innovation Lab in 2017.
“We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to engage with our hundreds of millions of fans around the world and enhance their Arsenal experience. The Arsenal Innovation Lab will enable us to explore new ways to achieve our goals with some of the brightest tech startups in the fan experience space,” said Peter Silverstone, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal.
“In addition to fan focused initiatives such as our ground-breaking My Arsenal Rewards loyalty programme, the Amazon All or Nothing documentary and the launch of the Socios $AFC Fan Token, this is another example of our renewed efforts to enhance the Arsenal experience for all our fans worldwide.”
Yolo Group is the managing partner for the programme. Part of the Sportsbet.io family, Yolo Group is a leader in the cross-section of gaming, fintech, and blockchain. Their Sportsbet.io brand is the official betting partner of Arsenal and has already introduced an augmented reality matchday programme to Arsenal fans.
"We're supporting the Arsenal Innovation Lab because we live to find disruptive solutions to daily challenges. Technology can bring Arsenal fans from around the world closer to the club, and we're looking for teams that can build products and services that put the fans at the centre of the club. With a collaboration with Arsenal up for grabs and a £250,000 investment and prize pool, this is a genuine opportunity to change the game,” said Tim Heath, GP at Yolo Investments.
Businesses can read more information and apply here.
The application deadline is 10 December 2021.