Global Fútbol

LaLiga and Lanzadera, the startup accelerator owned by Spanish businessman Juan Roig, have signed a new agreement to support new technology businesses and drive further innovation in the football sector.

Lanzadera, which belongs to Spain’s Marina de Empresas, will identify new startups that can support LaLiga and clubs in the continued digital transformation of the industry, adding to the products already created by LaLiga Tech over nearly ten years of development. 

The four areas of immediate interest are smart stadiums, fan engagement, audiovisual experiences and data analysis, including artificial intelligence. With LaLiga Tech having already created bespoke technologies in each of these sectors, LaLiga and clubs are well placed to introduce new startups that can enhance these areas further.

The registration period for the programme is now open and will end on November 8th. The call is open to all types of startups, regardless of their level of maturity, with applications submitted through the Lanzadera website.

“At LaLiga we understand that technology and innovation are essential to improving the experience of fans around the world of sports and entertainment,” said Óscar Mayo, executive director of LaLiga. “And who better than entrepreneurs, through the Lanzadera project in this case, to generate new ideas and projects that provide solutions to the clubs?”

“It is a privilege that LaLiga, a benchmark in the sports industry worldwide, has trusted us in the search for innovative solutions for such a competitive sector that is followed by millions of people,” added Javier Jiménez, general director of Lanzadera. “I am sure that the agreement will help create access to new technologies that allow enhanced efficiencies and better relationships with fans.”

Four challenges for entrepreneurs
The first area under consideration will be new stadium experiences. Of particular interest will be technologies that improve efficiency of stadium usage, in areas such as mobility, sustainability, hospitality and security, as well as creating better fan experiences both inside and outside of the venue.

Regarding fan interactions, the new venture is looking for new business models that can increase fan loyalty and interaction.

In the audiovisual space, the aim is to find solutions that can drive new experiences in the consumption of sports content, including via OTT platforms, as well as monetise audiences.

The partnership is also looking for companies that are innovating within artificial intelligence and data-based decision-making. This covers areas such as audience analysis, fan campaign management, smart dynamic pricing, sports performance, tactical analysis or process automation, among others.

Selected startups will develop a proof of concept over at least four months and will have the support of professionals from LaLiga and Lanzadera, who will accompany them in the development and execution of their projects. In addition, they will have access to funding to bring their creations to life.

Chosen startups will also be provided workspace both in the Lanzadera offices, located in Marina de Empresas, and in the LaLiga corporate headquarters. Entrepreneurs will also have access to a large network of contacts and will be able to attend events and presentations by the entrepreneurial and investor ecosystem of Marina de Empresas.