Adidas has launched a new sports accelerator, Platform A, and invested in 13 startups. Those companies include Overtime, a new digital sports network focused on Gen Z; Runner Care, a digital coach that helps runners prevent and treat injuries; and Eyecandylab, which improves live sports streams with augmented reality.
The startups will head to Station F in Paris, a sprawling campus that offers access to educational programs, mentors and VCs. All companies have been chosen to work with Adidas on new business initiatives in the sports industry and will have access to many athletes and creatives from the sports, fashion and entertainment industries.
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Adidas invested a million euros in the development of the program, which will focus on the areas of digital, global sales, and community building. In a statement, Adidas CEO Kasper Rorsted said they’ll develop innovative “new products and business models for sports.”
“We know that we don’t have all the answers ourselves and working closely with diverse entrepreneurs at Station F allows us to combine our sports expertise and authority of a global brand with the agility of startups,” said Adidas executive board member Eric Liedtke.
