AO Ventures Invests in Two 'AI + Sports' Companies: Wearable Sports Analysis Tool PlayerData, Event Content Platform ScorePlay

This week, Dr. Machar Reid, General Partner of AO Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Australian Open, announced several developments:

1. Since its inception, AO Ventures has seen a significant increase in attention and has begun planning a second fund, while also considering launching a specialized fund focused on Padel.

2. AO Ventures has invested in Scottish wearable technology company PlayerData and sports media platform ScorePlay.

The latest investments continue AO Ventures' unique model: combining venture capital with the commercial platforms of the Australian Open and Tennis Australia, enabling startups to validate and scale their technology through the AO platform.

PlayerData

PlayerData is one of the fastest-growing companies in global sports performance analysis technology. Founded in 2017 by Roy Hotrabhvanon and Hayden Ball, who were classmates in Computer Science and Electronics at the University of Edinburgh, the duo often discussed ideas during college. Roy took up archery at university and began developing sensor technology to analyze his own movements and performance. After an injury, he decided to pivot to entrepreneurship.

Above: Hayden Ball (left) and Roy Hotrabhvanon (right)

The company primarily develops sports performance tracking and analysis products. Over the years, its offerings have gradually expanded from a single wearable device to a complete data capture ecosystem, including: low-cost GPS/LPS wearable trackers, soccer balls with embedded GPS trackers, AI video systems, and the CoachMate AI data platform. These tools aim to provide data-driven training, injury prevention, and performance optimization solutions for athletes and teams ranging from grassroots to professional levels.

Above: PlayerData's wearable device

Above: PlayerData's CoachMate AI data platform

PlayerData's latest funding round occurred in May this year, completing a $12 million Series A led by Pentland Ventures, Darco Ventures, and Bolt Ventures, with participation from Tennis Australia and 35V, the investment fund of basketball superstar Kevin Durant. Previously, in 2021, the company also completed a $2.3 million funding round led by Hiro Capital.

According to a new report from research firm Research and Markets, the sports analytics market is projected to grow from $3.05 billion in 2025 to $3.86 billion by the end of 2026; by 2030, the market size is expected to reach $9.64 billion, nearly triple the current $3-4 billion range.

The report notes that growth drivers include AI-powered statistical analysis, wearable devices, fan experience technology, and the adoption of cloud-based analytics platforms. These technologies help sports organizations optimize athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and formulate business strategies.

ScorePlay

Joining the portfolio alongside PlayerData is ScorePlay, one of the fastest-growing media and digital asset management platforms in global sports.

Founded in 2021, ScorePlay provides AI-driven media infrastructure tailored for sports organizations (teams, leagues, federations, etc.) to automate the centralization, tagging, categorization, distribution, and management of photos, videos, and live content.

The company's two founders, Victorien Tixier and Xavier Green, are longtime friends. Previously, they co-founded another company, Hydra, which developed digital solutions for futsal centers and was later acquired. Afterward, they observed the explosive growth of sports content across multiple platforms but found management and monetization tools fragmented and inefficient, leading them to establish ScorePlay.

Internally, Victorien Tixier is primarily responsible for sales and commercialization; Xavier Green handles engineering and technology, having previously developed chatbots for the French luxury brand Dior.

Above: Victorien Tixier (left), Xavier Green (right)

Initially, ScorePlay worked primarily with football clubs in Europe. Today, its partnerships have expanded to over 200 sports organizations globally, including the NBA, top European clubs, and MLS.

During the 2026 Australian Open, the ScorePlay platform was fully utilized. Darren Pearce, Chief Content Officer at Tennis Australia, stated: "ScorePlay has completely transformed the speed at which our team can find, manage, and share media content during the tournament. This level of efficiency is exactly what modern sports organizations need, and it's why we're thrilled to deepen our partnership."

According to CB Insights, ScorePlay has raised over $18 million in cumulative funding, with key investors including Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, Kevin Durant, UK podcast host Harry Stebbings, APEX Capital, and others.

With the addition of these two companies, AO Ventures' portfolio now includes six companies. The other four startups are:

• Bolt6, an AI referee, broadcast, and data services provider;
• Raven Controls, a comprehensive large-event management platform;
• Mindspring Padel, a padel court infrastructure builder;
• Padel Haus, a U.S. padel club operator.

| Sources: tennis.com, sportsbusinessjournal, PlayerData, ScorePlay official websites, techcrunch

| Image credits: PlayerData, ScorePlay official websites