DICK’S Sports Goods announced the launch of DSG Ventures. This $50 million fund will invest in innovative companies.
DSG Ventures will first focus on companies that serve athletes and their communities or help DICK’S serve its athletes better. The fund will help these companies grow in many cases by providing support and resources beyond capital. This includes what makes DICK’S unique: distribution reach and industry-leading expertise, as well as operational excellence and relationships with athletes.
DSG Ventures’ first investments reflect its focus on innovation.
- Moolah kicks is the only brand of basketball performance shoes made by and for women.
- SidelineSwap has been the largest online marketplace for sporting products and is growing fast. Our trade-in events allow buyers and sellers to quickly connect with each other and sell their gear immediately.
- Outdoor is your one-stop shop for buying and selling outdoor gear. This is the place to sell unwanted outdoor gear quickly and get secondhand outdoor gear.
- EL1 Sport is a national leader in youth sports, providing instruction in softball and administrative support for teams. EL1 Sports is also known for operating the Los Angeles Dodgers Training Academy and the Proud Youth Baseball & Softball Training Partner of Major League Baseball. They provide teams with facilities, camps and tournaments as well as operational services.
- Courtside Ventures partners early-stage founders who challenge the traditional definitions of gaming, sports and wellness.
DSG Ventures also collaborates with VentureFuel, an innovation advisory firm, on a Retail Innovation Program. This program identifies startups that will work with DICK’S Sporting Goods to create a pilot program to improve the customer experience. The pilot will cover all aspects of customer experience, from e-commerce to in-store experience to AI.
Money continues to flow into sports at a record pace.
