US' Dick's Sporting Good launches DSG Ventures

In many cases, the fund will seek to help these companies grow by providing them with support and resources that go far beyond capital and include what makes Dick’s unique: distribution reach, industry-leading expertise in retail, operational excellence and relationship with athletes, the company said in a press release.

DSG Ventures’ initial investments reflect the fund’s focus on innovation. Moolah Kicks is the first and only women's basketball performance footwear brand built by and for female ballers. SidelineSwap is one of the fastest growing marketplaces globally and the world's largest online marketplace for sporting goods. Buyers and sellers can quickly and easily connect on a wide range inventory across numerous sports or sell their gear instantly at one of our trade-in events. Out&Back Outdoor is a one-stop shop when it comes to buying and selling outdoor gear. It's the best place to sell your unwanted outdoor gear in seconds for cash and buy second-hand outdoor gear with confidence.

EL1 Sports is one of the nation's leading youth sports companies, offering baseball and softball instruction and team administrative support. Also known as the operator of the Los Angeles Dodgers Training Academy, and Proud Youth Baseball and Softball Training Partner of Major League Baseball, EL1 Sports provides teams with training facilities, camps, tournaments, and operating services. Courtside Ventures partners with early-stage founders challenging the traditional definition of sports, gaming and wellness.

DSG Ventures is also working with innovation advisory VentureFuel on a Retail Innovation Program to identify start-ups to collaborate with Dick’s on a pilot programme around enhancing the customer experience. The pilot covers any area of the customer experience from e-commerce to in-store experience to AI.

“Dick’s would not be what it is today without the support we received along the way from others who saw our company's potential. Now DSG Ventures will enable us to give back and help support entrepreneurs achieve their dreams through our connections, experience and support. We know that DSG Ventures (and our partners) will bring innovative products, services and experiences to athletes around the world,” Ed Stack, company's executive chairman, said.

"The investment by Dick’s, coupled with our distribution partnership, has propelled the Moolah Kicks brand from a basketball start-up to a category pioneer with a national footprint. We could not be more encouraged by Dick’s continued commitment to providing performance products specifically for female athletes,” Natalie White, founder and CEO of Moolah Kicks, said.

"We're excited to further expand our partnership with Dick’s. Their investment underscores our shared commitment to sustainability and increasing access to sports. As the market leader in sporting goods, Dick’s provides us with an incredible platform to grow our resale program and reach tens of millions of new athletes,” Brendan Candon, co-founder and CEO Sideline Swap, said.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (GK)