Sportsbox AI
Sportsbox, an artificial intelligence (AI) coaching startup, has closed a US$5.5 million seed funding round that will allow it to continue the development of its single camera 3D motion capture technology and expand into more sports.
The round was led by EP Golf Ventures, a new investment partnership created by the PGA of America and Elysian Park Ventures which itself is the investment arm of the ownership group of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Los Angeles Dodgers.
Other participants in the round included women’s golfers Michelle Wie West, Marina Alex and Mel Reid, as well as golf coaches and broadcasters.
Sportsbox AI was founded in 2020 and provides athletes and coaches with real-time data and analysis on movement using just a single mobile phone camera.
The firm’s computer vision technology captures and analyses athlete movement, transforming a 2D video feed into a 3D avatar that can be viewed from multiple angles so adjustments can be immediately during a training session.
The company says its technology provides a similar level of functionality and accuracy as a dedicated motion capture system but without the wires, sensors, and expense, while it also has the potential to transform remote coaching
Golf is an obvious early focus for the company given it was founded by former professionals and broadcasters. Its first product is Sportsbox 3DGolf, which allows golfers to access a full analysis of their swing and track progress using 3D biomechanical measurements in inches, degrees, linear and angular velocities.
However, it says its platform can be applied to multiple disciplines and will work with leading instructors as it expands into new markets.
“We are excited to have the support of EP Golf Ventures and our incredible investors,” said Jeehae Lee, Sportsbox AI chief executive and Founder. “This new round of funding enables us to accelerate our growth to transform the game of golf and sports overall with accessible, accurate 3D technology.
“We want to make it possible for every coach and athlete to easily unlock real-time data and visualisation tools using our transformative technology that takes 2D video and transforms it into a holistic 3D analysis straight from a mobile phone.”
