Winning Plays: Key Takeaways from the UPSIDE Sports Tech Summit
In October, Sports Tech HQ Executive Director Jeffrey Hintz participated in the UPSIDE U.S. Sports Tech Summit in Fort Lauderdale, an event that continues to elevate global collaboration and innovation across the sports technology industry. The summit provided an outstanding opportunity for leaders to learn, connect, and contribute to the conversations shaping the future of sports tech.
Special thanks to Julien Blin and the UPSIDE Global team for organizing another exceptional gathering. Hintz also had the opportunity to moderate the panel, “Winning Plays: Unlocking ROI in Sports Tech Investments,” featuring:
- Wayne Kimmel, SeventySix Capital
- Meredith McPherron, Drive by DraftKings
- Konrad von Moltke, WISE Ventures
- Ryan Murphy, NVP
- Ian Seltzer, Pierce Yates Ventures
The discussion explored the real opportunities—and the real challenges—within sports tech investing, moving beyond the hype to examine what it truly takes to build sustainable, scalable value in a fast-growing industry.
Here are a few takeaways that stood out:
Capital is only part of the equation.
The best investors serve as true partners, guiding founders through strategy, growth, and execution long after the check is written.
Strong cap table management is essential.
Thoughtfulness early on can determine a company’s long-term ability to attract the right investors and scale effectively.
Sports is emerging as a formal asset class.
Major institutions such as JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs entering the space signal undeniable momentum and increasing financial credibility.
There has never been a better moment for sports tech.
Innovation, energy, and investment are accelerating across the industry, opening doors for founders and investors alike.
Founders must think bigger.
Products with high growth potential and cross-category applications tend to outperform solutions that are too narrowly defined.
Meet investors when you’re ready.
Strong demos, solid numbers, and deep market understanding lead to more productive investor conversations.
AI is transforming execution speed.
Where pivots once took months, AI-driven tools now enable iteration and decision-making in days.
Athletes bring irreplaceable insight.
Their lived experience on the field and in training gives them a unique advantage in evaluating sports tech solutions.
The Momentum Ahead
The conversations in Fort Lauderdale reinforced what Sports Tech HQ sees every day in Indiana: sports technology is maturing into a powerful economic and innovation engine. The appetite for collaboration, investment, and breakthrough ideas is stronger than ever.
Sports Tech HQ is proud to help fuel this momentum by building connections, attracting companies, and supporting founders as Indiana continues to emerge as a global hub for sports innovation.
STHQ Staff
Nov 11 2025
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