FC Barcelona, the Spanish football giant, announced plans to invest in technology startups through its Barcelona Innovation Hub (BIHUB), initiative.
LaLiga leaders are seeking early-stage companies who share their passion for sport and their values. In exchange for a share in the startups, Barca will give access to their brand assets.
Barca will invest in startups in technology. The club’s startup portfolio is cutting-edge and aims to provide the clubs involved with a prominent platform for growth.
This comes at a time when sports venture arms are taking off.
The latest development in BIHUB’s ecosystem of students, academics, investors, and startups was the investment plan. It was created in 2017 to benefit the club as well as the wider society.
BIHUB made its first two investments at the Sports Tomorrow Congress in Catalonia, which was held at the Mobile World Congress (MWC).
Visualfy is the first investor. This accessibility startup develops technology that allows people with learning disabilities to attend sporting events.
Oliver, a wearable data analytics company that focuses on regional and amateur teams, was the second investment.
Barca’s investment strategy is seen as a catalyst for the club’s digital transformation, with connectivity and cybersecurity being the top priorities.
The club also mentioned their agreement with the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre, as the first step in building a digital replica of the soon-to-be-renovated Camp Nou stadium.
