The Profluence Pod 🌐

This month's panel was around Youth Sports -  we delved into the opportunities, challenges, and future insights shaping the youth sports industry, which is projected to reach $69.4 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 9.20%. The panel discussed key issues such as rampant market fragmentation, high customer acquisition costs (CAC), limited monetization options, short time frames to capture athletes' attention, and an oversaturated market filled with both niche solutions and companies struggling to succeed.  The panel featured insights from Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap, the largest youth sports tech company, and David Geaslen, founder of 3STEP Sports, which has acquired over 100 clubs and events. The discussion offered valuable perspectives on the current landscape and what lies ahead for youth sports. Chapters: (03:09) - The Landscape of Youth Sports Technology  (05:57) - Market Size and Growth Potential  (08:59) - Understanding Youth Segmentation  (11:49) - Investment Perspectives in Youth Sports  (14:54) - Challenges in Youth Sports Operations (18:09) - The Role of Governing Bodies in Youth Sports  (20:57) - Promoting Multi-Sports Participation  (23:57) - Fragmentation and Accessibility Issues  (28:14) - Navigating the Youth Sports Landscape  (33:07) - The Role of Technology in Youth Sports  (37:54) - Future Trends in Youth Sports  (42:59) - Opportunities in Youth Sports  (48:10) - The Importance of Community and Collaboration  Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterfrintzilas/ David Geaslen, founder of 3STEP Sports: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-geaslen-96593350/ 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. 

Players Health, founded by Tyrre Burks, is transforming youth sports by creating safer, more accessible environments for athletes. Focused on injury prevention, risk management, and safety solutions, the company helps sports organizations provide a better experience for young athletes, ensuring their well-being both on and off the field. Through initiatives like the Microgrant Campaign, Players Health has directly impacted youth sports by funding participation for underprivileged kids across the U.S. In 2022 alone, 75 children from 20 states received grants to cover the cost of playing sports. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to making sports accessible for all. Tyrre Burks, a former football player, founded Players Health after his own struggles with injuries on the field. His firsthand experience drives his passion for athlete safety and inspired him to create a solution that bridges the gap between accessibility and protection in youth sports. Chapters: (03:11) - Transition from Athlete to Entrepreneur (06:06) - The Impact of NIL on Athletes  (08:59) - Understanding Players Health and Its Mission  (11:49) - Insurance in Professional Sports  (14:54) - Navigating the College Sports Landscape  (18:09) - Youth Sports: Trends and Challenges  (20:57) - Future Trends in Sports and Insurance  Tyrre Burks Website: https://www.playershealth.com/ LinkedIn: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrreburks/ 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. 

BatFast, led by Runish Gudhka, is transforming how athletes and fans experience sports through cutting-edge simulation technology. BatFast combines advanced hardware—such as ball-throwing machines, actuators, and sensors—with machine learning algorithms, immersive graphics, and gamification modules to create world-class sports simulation products.  From cricket to multiple sports, BatFast's technology is reshaping how sports training and entertainment are delivered to 21st-century consumers. Runish Gudhka, a leader in sports tech, is driving BatFast’s mission to create engaging and innovative sports experiences. BatFast is expanding into new sports markets and exploring future growth opportunities, bringing exciting advancements to the global stage. Chapters: (02:59) - The Global Landscape of Cricket  (05:58) - BatFast’s Technology and Expansion into Other Sports  (08:48) - Business Model and Marketing Strategy  (12:56) - Growth and Participation Metrics  (15:06) - Market Differences and Strategic Approaches  (17:50) - Future Outlook and Excitement for BatFast  (21:05) - Building Community and Engagement  Runish Gudhka: Website: https://batfast.com/ LinkedIn: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/runish-gudhka-09a18a52/ 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. 

Amir Zonozi, CEO of Zoomph, is revolutionizing how sports, entertainment, and esports measure sponsorship value and audience engagement. With advanced analytics and real-time viewership insights, Zoomph empowers teams, leagues, and brands to make informed decisions across broadcast and social channels, setting the standard for quality analytics. Zoomph’s advanced features include industry-leading logo detection and rapid data delivery, trusted by major sports and entertainment partners. Their comprehensive analytics help clients understand audiences better and elevate partnership strategies. Amir leads with a passion for sports tech and data-driven innovation. As a board member of Women in Sports Tech, he also advocates for diversity within the industry. Chapters: (02:56) - Understanding Brand Value Exposure in Sports  (06:09) - Evolution of Zoom’s Product and Services   (09:00) - The Role of Athletes, Fans and Entities  (12:02) - Analyzing Caitlin Clark’s Impact on Women’s Sports  (17:57) - The Future of Sports Media and Technology  (20:52) - Macro Trends in Sports Investments  (23:49) - The Role of AI in Sports  (27:13) - Community and Human Connections in Sports  Amir Zonozi: Website: https://zoomph.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zonozi/ 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. 

Uplift Labs, co-founded by Sukemasa Kabayama, is breaking new ground in athlete performance and health using AI-powered movement analysis. Uplift's latest launch, the 'Uplift' app, uses a single iPhone camera to track and analyze user movements, making advanced technology previously reserved for professional athletes available to the everyday gym-goer. The app provides personalized training programs through a generative AI coach, helping to enhance mobility and prevent injuries. With major backing from pro athletes like Renee Montgomery, Marc Gasol, and Seth Curry, Uplift aims to make AI-driven movement analysis accessible to all. Sukemasa Kabayama, who formerly led Tesla Japan, combines his leadership experience with a passion for accessible sports technology, driving Uplift Labs’ impact in the fitness space. Uplift Labs is also kickstarting its next fundraising round starting October 1st, aiming to expand its innovative solutions further. Chapters: (01:40) - The Journey from Tech to Sports  (04:43) - Identifying Market Opportunities and Pivots  (08:20) - Building a Tech-Driven Solution for Sports  (11:28) - Navigating Remote Work and Team Cohesion  (13:22) - The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Sports  (18:05) - Launch of UPLIFT’s New Products  (21:45) - Future Trends in Sports Tech  Sukemasa Kabayama:  Website: https://www.uplift.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukemasa-kabayama/ 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. 

Nick Venson, founder and CEO of Swag Golf, is transforming the golf industry with his bold approach. Swag Golf is known for its limited-edition accessories and apparel, combining top-quality craftsmanship with unique designs that resonate with a passionate community of golf enthusiasts. Swag Golf began with four friends in a small 2,500-square-foot unit in Northbrook, Illinois, driven by the idea of creating badass putters and headcovers unlike anything the golf world had seen. Their success led to a $10 million growth funding round led by Verance Capital, with investors like Shaun White and Zach LaVine supporting Swag's vision. With over 19 years of experience, Nick Venson aims to challenge the status quo of the golf industry through creativity and flair. His mission is to create products that are as expressive as they are functional, offering golfers a fresh and unique perspective on the game. Chapters: (02:40) - The Inspiration Behind Swag Golf  (05:32) - Navigating the Golf Industry and Market Reception  (08:12) - Evolving Business Models and Strategies (11:00) - Expanding Product Lines and Future Plans  (14:00) - Marketing Strategies and Brand Ambassadors  (16:39) - Insights on the Golf Industry and Trends  Swag Golf:  Website: https://swag.golf/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swaggolfco/ 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.

Primanti Brothers, famous for its iconic French-fry-topped sandwiches, blends tradition with modern innovation to deliver a unique dining experience loved by generations. Since 1933, the brand has expanded across multiple locations, driven by strong customer loyalty, creative marketing, and ongoing digital transformation. At the helm is Adam Golomb, an award-winning marketing expert with over 20 years of experience. Recognized as one of the Most Influential Restaurant Executives, Adam leads the company’s growth, strategy, and community engagement. Chapters: (03:00) - The Unique Primanti Sandwich Experience (06:02) - Marketing Strategy and Celebrity Endorsement (08:51) - Enhancing the Sports Viewing Experience (12:08) - Community Experience and Youth Sports (14:54) - The role of a CEO and future vision (17:53) - College Sports and NIL Adam Golomb: Website: https://primantibros.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamgolomb/ 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.

BASport, founded by Bharath Rao, is revolutionizing the sports industry with a fresh and innovative approach to strategic investments. BASport focuses on more than just capital infusion, prioritizing meaningful connections with stakeholders and delivering tangible results. Their goal is to set new standards for growth and innovation across the sports landscape. Bharath Rao, a former coach at the National Cricket Academy, combines his on-field expertise with entrepreneurial vision, driving BASport’s success in the sports investment space. Chapters: (02:46) - Bharath Rao’s Journey in Sports Management (05:59) - Investment Strategies in Emerging Sports  (08:34) - The Role of Media in Sports Investment  (11:30) - Engaging Athletes in Sweat Equity  (14:37) - Advice for Founders and Capital Seekers  (17:31) - Building Resilience and Strategy in High-Value Investments (19:46) -  Raising Funding and Preparing Valuation at Concept Stage Bharath Rao: Website: https://www.basport.co/ LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/bharathvrao7 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.

Indiana Sports Corp is a driving force behind the biggest sports events in Indiana, including the BigTen Football Championship, Olympic Swimming Trials, and the 2026 NCAA Final Four.  The Indiana Sports Corp have led to over $4 billion in direct spending in the Indiana region since its inception.  Patrick Talty is an experienced C-level sports executive having worked for the WWE, U.S. Bank Stadium, and Global Spectrum before joining the ISC.   Chapters: (00:40) Patrick Talty intro (03:45) Understanding sports commissions (05:55) Comparing cities (09:05) Multi-purpose facilities (12:10) Global events (14:55) Emerging Sports (17:50) Business model (20:50) Economic impact (23:45) Future trends to watch . Patrick Talty: Website: https://www.indianasportscorp.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-talty-b43ba030/ . 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. 

League of Play is an innovative GenZ-focused sports league bridging the gap between creators and fans.  After a successful pilot event, League of Play is expanding into a season format with live-streamed competitions featuring top creators. Viewers vote on distractions that affect the gameplay. Hank Leber is a serial entrepreneur from the ad agency world who founded Gigster before League of Play.  Chapters: (01:05) Hank and League of Play backstory (03:05) Rise of the creator economy (06:15) Fundraising in this ecosystem (12:40) Future of interactive viewing (16:15) Understanding GenZ audience (20:50) League of Play model (25:45) Collabing with creators (27:05) Finding YouTube talent (29:30) Happy fans & creators . Hank Leber: Website: https://leagueofplay.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hankleber/ . 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.