Hype Sports Innovation, which runs accelerator programs for sports tech startups, has expanded into China through a partnership with AquaBloom, a sports business consultancy firm based in Hong Kong.
Hype’s global accelerator network will now aid the growth of select sports technology companies in China through the partnership. Past programs organized by Hype include its blockchain-themed sports accelerator that was operated in partnership with NYU’s Tisch Institute for Global Sport this past summer. That bootcamp-style program concluded in September with a demo day held at NYU.
“HYPE will use its global leadership in access to innovation to team up with AquaBloom Sports Group to bring best-in-class solutions to both sports fans and athletes,” Hype CEO Dr. Ilan Hadar said in a statement. “We are confident that AquaBloom's already deployed local sports network in greater China will be the key to accelerating the partnership's success.”
On AquaBloom’s website, the company states that it is committed to “becoming the bridge, portal and springboard to fetch extensive global sport IPs into China.” According to AquaBloom, the company founded Shanghai-based Nike Sports Camps in 2011 and recently established the Hong Kong International Sports Investment Association.
