OpenSponsorship is a digital marketplace that facilitates connections between brands and athletes for sponsorship opportunities. Founded in 2014 by Ishveen Anand, the company is headquartered in New York City. PitchBook+5
Since its inception, OpenSponsorship has experienced significant growth, expanding its network to include over 12,000 athletes across 160 sports, including more than 60% of NFL and NBA players. The platform has facilitated over 10,000 deals for approximately 400 brands.
OpenSponsorship has raised approximately $5 million in funding from investors such as Serena Ventures, founded by tennis icon Serena Williams, and David Blitzer, co-owner of multiple sports franchises. The investment from Serena Ventures was reported to be upwards of $1 million.
The platform offers a streamlined process for brands to discover and partner with athletes, providing detailed profiles that include demographics, social media metrics, and personal interests. OpenSponsorship handles contracts and payments, ensuring a secure and efficient transaction process.
The platform has integrated Twitch into its media channels, allowing brands to sponsor esports athletes through product placements and social mentions. This expansion caters to the growing esports market and diversifies the platform's offerings.
OpenSponsorship emphasizes education and transparency, fostering a culture of continuous learning and open feedback among its team members.
The platform serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies like Disney and Anheuser-Busch, as well as numerous startups and small to medium-sized businesses. Its extensive network encompasses thousands of athletes across various sports disciplines.
OpenSponsorship
By OpenSponsorship Corp
