FabLittleBag, MAAREE, Volley, and LZRD Tech Take Top Spots Following Part 1
(October 10, 2024) – The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is excited to announce today that FabLittleBag, LZRD Tech, MAAREE, and Volley are the four finalists who will move on to compete in the 8th Annual SFIA Start-Up Challenge Main Event on October 29, 2024 at Babson College – in coordination with SFIA’s Boston Super Regional.
Following the completion of the Live Q&A Session on Thursday, September 27 (Part I), these four finalists had the top scores amongst eleven competitors – including a tie – after presenting virtually to an exclusive judging panel made up of sports & fitness executives, venture capitalists, investors, and leaders from private equity. Our finalists will now present their innovative products at the competition’s Main Event.
The applicant pool includes entrepreneurs from around the world, representing all segments of the sports and fitness industry, including performance and strength/conditioning products, technologies and apps powered by AI, and more.
The four finalists are:
- FabLittleBag: An eco-friendly and sustainably sourced disposal bag designed for hygienic and discreet disposal of sanitary products. Keeping rivers and oceans free from period pollution and empowering women and girls with hygienic confident disposal wherever, whenever. FabLittleBag is single-handedly making period management possible and easy for women and girls in sports.
- LZRD Tech: LZRD Tech designs high-performance, grip-enhancing apparel for both the athletic and industrial sectors, enabling users to securely handle equipment while improving safety. The innovative compression garments incorporate advanced materials that enhance grip and provide protection, addressing the specific needs of athletes and industrial workers alike.
- MAAREE: A women’s sportswear company dedicated to supporting women so they can achieve their goals confidently and worry-free. Offering high-performance sports bras – with the world’s first sports bras with Overband® Technology – and activewear designed to provide superior support and comfort for women during physical activities.
- Volley: Offers an AI- and Vision-enabled training experience that modernizes racquet sports by simulating live play and providing on-demand training. Volley’s vision software maps the court, identifies and records player(s), and tracks balls. It’s AI/Physics engine has a fundamental knowledge of each of our four core sports (tennis, padel, platform tennis, pickleball) and can play like an opponent would.
The seven other finalists who competed in the annual challenge were: Activate, Alphabeats, iPlayMe2, New Stream, Pick Fit, Prorizon, and Total Motion 360. All finalists will receive one year of SFIA membership, a logo feature in an SFIA research report, a five-minute pitch video, real-time feedback, and personal introductions from industry executives.
“The caliber of candidates in this year’s Start-Up Challenge is truly exceptional, as each participant brings innovative ideas and a passion for advancing the sports and fitness industry, making this competition one of the most exciting and competitive yet,” states Chandler Hoffman, Director, Membership & Technology, SFIA. “We are especially thrilled to collaborate with Babson College, renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering the next generation of industry leaders, for the Main Event.”
In addition to all the prizes listed above, the grand prize winner, who will be selected on October 29 2024 at SFIA’s Boston Super Regional amongst FabLittleBag, LZRD Tech, MAAREE, and Volley, will receive a 2025 SFIA Start-Up Challenge judges’ seat, media coverage, a spotlight in an SFIA research report, and the SFIA event advantage, which includes the opportunity to network and connect with SFIA Members, a speaking opportunity, and public recognition as ‘Start-Up Challenge Winner’ at an SFIA event.
The SFIA Start-Up Challenge held its inaugural event in 2016, and since then, finalists who have participated in the annual competition have raised more than $310 million for their innovations. SFIA is proud to serve as a leader in the industry in helping support innovation and growth through this event.
For more on the 2024 Start-Up Challenge, visit www.sfiastartupchallenge.org. If you are interested in attending the Main Event, taking place on October 29, 2024 at SFIA’s Boston Super Regional at Babson College, click here.
If you are interested in an interview with one of the Start-Up Challenge finalists or a member of the SFIA team, please contact Lisa Futterman at [email protected].
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit sfia.org.