Playermaker is a sports technology company known for developing wearable and sensor-based solutions designed for analyzing and improving athletic performance.[1][2]

Playermaker
FormerlyMotionize
Company typePrivate
IndustrySports tech
Founded2017
FoundersGuy Aharon & Yuval Odem
Headquarters,
Websitewww.playermaker.com

History edit

Playermaker was founded in 2017 in Israel by Guy Aharon and Yuval Odem who formerly served in the Israeli Defense Forces.[3] The company was formerly known as Motionize and it began by developing a solution for advanced tracking of human motion back in 2014.[3]

Funding edit

By 2023, Playermaker raised total of $45M in funding, with powerhouse investors like ADvantage, Ryan Sports Venture, Ventura Capital Group, with additional investment by MIG Capital, and others.[4][5]

Earlier in 2019, former Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger invested in Playermaker.[6][7]

Partnerships edit

In November 2022, Playermaker and Manchester City collaborated to launch CityPlay, a co-branded sports product that offers valuable insight and analysis for players, while also offering educational and training content from Manchester City.[8]

Playermaker has established partnerships with Elite Soccer Academy[9] and several sports clubs that use its technology. Notable clubs include: Fulham F.C.,[10] Rangers F.C.,[11] and many others. The company has also established partnerships with the United States Soccer Federation[12] and the Scottish Football Association.[13]

In 2022, Liverpool winger, Harvey Elliott became a brand ambassador for the company.[14]

Products edit

Playermaker offers sports technology products that are designed to provide valuable data and insights to players, coaches, and teams.[15] The company offers sports technology products that are designed to provide valuable data and insights to players, coaches, and teams.[16]

Playermaker's technology includes sensors that are attached to a player's shoes which collect data on various aspects of their performance.[17] The data collected by Playermaker's technology can be used for performance analysis, injury prevention, and improving overall player development.[18]

FIFA Certification edit

In September 2023, Playermaker was awarded the FIFA certification to be allowed in official match play as a wearable Tracking System.[19] Earlier in 2021, Playermaker was placed on the FIFA Innovation Programme.[20] Playermaker completed the challenge set by the FIFA Innovation Program and earned the Electronic Performance Tracking Systems (EPTS) FIFA quality certificate.[21]

References edit

  1. ^ Nick Wright,"Sports technology company backed by Arsene Wenger aiming to revolutionise football training". skysports.com. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  2. ^ Ethan Freedman,"Backed by FIFA, Playermaker dives into sports analytics feet first". timesofisrael.com. 4 September 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b Candice Krieger,"Meet the brains behind footwear tech that's transforming football". jewishnews.co.uk. 6 June 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  4. ^ "Playermaker raises $40 million for wearable athletic performance tracker". finsmes.com. 19 June 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  5. ^ "Playermaker Raised $40M in Funding". calcalistech.com. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  6. ^ Shoshanna Solomon,"Former Arsenal manager Wenger invests in Israeli startup PlayerMaker". timesofisrael.com. 24 May 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  7. ^ Meir Orbach,"Soccer Coach Arsène Wenger Backs Sports Tech Startup PlayerMaker". calcalistech.com. 26 May 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  8. ^ "Manchester City And Playermaker Launch Cityplay Wearable Performance Tracker". mancity.com. 3 November 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  9. ^ "Officially signed a partnership with playermaker". elitesocceracademy.info. 26 November 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  10. ^ "Fulham partners with PlayerMaker". fulhamfc.com. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  11. ^ "Rangers Announce New Official Associate Partner Playermaker". rangers.co.uk. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  12. ^ "Playermaker becomes newest Players First partner". usclubsoccer.org. 3 March 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  13. ^ "Scottish FA announces new partnership with innovative technology company Playermaker". scottishfa.co.uk. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  14. ^ Dominic Massimino,"Liverpool's Harvey Elliott Signs On as Playermaker Brand Ambassador". sportsbusinessjournal.com. 3 March 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  15. ^ Robert Kidd,"Why Playermaker Is Taking Its Soccer Technology To Amateur Players". forbes.com. 27 January 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  16. ^ Jacob Feldman,"Soccer Tech Company Playermaker Raises Funds To Spur U.S. Growth". sportico.com. 13 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  17. ^ "Playermaker Review: An Effective Wearable Football Tracker?". premierinjuries.com. 18 July 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  18. ^ Joe Lemire,"PlayerMaker CEO: 'We Have Turned the Shoe Into Technological Infrastructure'". sportsbusinessjournal.com. 17 February 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  19. ^ "AI tracking technology for football boots earns FIFA and IFAB approval to be used in official matches". skysports.com. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  20. ^ Robin-Duke Madlala,"'If Playermaker was available, I would've come close to Pelé'". idiskitimes.co.za. 26 November 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  21. ^ Rob Schaefer,"Playermaker awarded EPTS FIFA Quality Programme certification, can be used in official match play". sportsbusinessjournal.com. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.

External links edit