Scott Birnbaum is the co-founder and CEO of Booster, a platform reinventing fundraising for athletes and teams. With over 15 years of experience in PPC advertising and leadership roles at firms like System1, Demand Media, and Fullscreen, Scott brings a wealth of expertise in scaling operations, building high-performing teams, and driving digital growth. At Booster, he’s combining this background with his passion for sports to create a smarter, subscription-based fundraising model that eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional campaigns.

At Booster, the mission is clear: make fundraising effortless so athletes and coaches can focus on what really matters—development, performance, and community. Whether at the high school, junior college, or NCAA level, Booster empowers teams to generate consistent, recurring revenue without upfront costs or the constant reset of starting from zero each season. The platform also provides athletes with the tools to build their brands, connect with fans, and unlock new pathways for support as they move through different stages of their athletic careers.

Beyond the platform, Scott’s story is also one of leadership and adaptability. Having scaled System1 from 15 employees to IPO, he has firsthand experience building global teams, navigating transitions, and fostering cultures of collaboration and innovation. Now, with Booster, he’s applying those lessons to the youth and collegiate sports ecosystem—helping athletes and teams access resources that were previously out of reach.

Podcast Chapters:

02:40 The Evolution of Fundraising in High School Sports

05:37 Building Community Through Subscription Models

08:07 Navigating the High School Sports Landscape

10:52 Engagement Strategies for Sustaining Interest

13:45 Leveraging Corporate Partnerships for Growth

16:42 Market Penetration and Future Plans

19:19 The Importance of Youth Sports in Development

22:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#260: Scott Birnbaum, Booster - Reinventing Fundraising in Youth & College Sports