Game Changer: How SportAI Is Revolutionizing The Sports Industry

How would you like to refine your tennis swing alongside the titans of the court, such as Novak Djokovic or emerging star Coco Gauff? With SportAI, you can analyze and elevate your racquet skills to Grand Slam-worthy heights! This groundbreaking platform utilizes artificial intelligence and computer vision technology to deliver swing analysis that’s genuinely match-point material. Its mission is to democratize access to advanced coaching tools, providing real-time, high-quality performance feedback to players of all levels.

SportAI targets B2B solutions to enhance training facilities, guide equipment recommendations, and optimize broadcasting content. By addressing the limitations of traditional coaching methods, which can often be subjective and costly, the platform provides objective, data-driven insights to help players improve their techniques effectively.

Lauren Pedersen, CEO and Co-Founder of SportAI, is at the helm. Her unique blend of sports and technology expertise has broken through barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. SportAI aligns perfectly with Pedersen’s passion for sports and her commitment to advancing tech companies. The firm boasts diverse co-founders, each bringing unique perspectives from sports, technology, and commercial expertise. The company also has an impressive and diverse roster of investors, including Skyfall Ventures and World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen.

“To be great at sports is about finding your edge. The technology that SportAI is bringing to market can expand the availability of technical coaching and analysis in a way that’s never been possible before. I love sports like golf and tennis, and I believe AI-powered technique analysis can truly advance these sports for players, businesses, and spectators alike. That is why I decided to invest and get behind the SportAI team.” said Carlsen.

Pedersen reflects, “We recognized the immense potential of artificial intelligence—especially in computer vision. Recent advancements have opened up opportunities that were once unimaginable. What struck us was how subjective, expensive, and challenging technique analysis in sports can be. Take tennis lessons; a single session can easily set you back more than $100, making quality coaching out of reach for many players.”

Pedersen’s journey began in New Zealand, where she grew up in a family of sports enthusiasts. Her passion for sports, particularly tennis, developed at an early age. “I was like Sporty Spice,” Pedersen reminisces with a smile. “I even got called in to play as a reserve for my brother’s cricket team. I earned my black belt in taekwondo when I was 13, so I was that kid. But tennis has always held my heart. I dedicated myself to the sport completely, playing throughout my junior years. Eventually, I received a tennis scholarship to play at American University in DC, competing in NCAA Division I for all four years. That experience was nothing short of incredible.” After college, Pedersen gained valuable advertising experience in New York and London before transitioning into the tech industry in Norway. These diverse experiences paved the way for her to establish SportAI, merging her love for sports and technology to drive innovation in the field. Pedersen explains how artificial intelligence can analyze techniques in tennis, showcasing its ability to track biometric points and deliver valuable feedback on players’ performances. She also discusses the broader applications of AI across various sports, including golf and team sports, emphasizing its potential to enhance training and accessibility for players at all levels. “It could even integrate technology to help determine which racquet you should buy,” she notes. “With countless weights, sizes, and brands out there, people might purchase Roger Federer’s racquet just because they’ve heard of him—never considering whether it’s the right fit for them. This analysis can be applied across various use cases—from training apps to product recommendations on websites, or even analysis and visualizations in broadcasts that have been missing until now.” Pedersen reveals that the company also plans to engage with the broadcasting industry. “For example, during the US Open, we could provide technique analysis showing how a player’s forehand has evolved, comparing it to their junior days or contrasting it with another player’s technique to highlight differences in power or spin,” she shares.

Pedersen reflects on SportAI’s origins, her passion for the intersection of sports and technology, and the challenges she faces as a female founder. She addresses the gender disparity within the investment landscape and reiterates her commitment to encouraging more women to get involved in the investment side of startups. Expressing her love for tennis, Pedersen proudly mentions that she will represent Norway at the ITF World Championship for Masters in Tokyo—a journey that fuels her creativity and networking opportunities. She hints at exciting developments on the horizon, revealing plans to announce their first customer for SportAI soon.