The renowned business magazine Fast Company names the most innovative 50 companies every year. This year, Stripe came in first place. The payment service provider links the digital payment process with environmental protection measures. Stripe offers the possibility to participate in technology for CO2 reduction.
The sports business companies among the 50 listed:
- Fanatics in 14th place, citing that “The online retailer is remaking sports fandom.” The merchandising and sports apparel specialist has expanded its ecosystem to include trading cards, ticketing and NFTs (read more on Fanatics here)
- Surfline. The company provides subscription-based surf reports and now uses AI and machine learning to do so. CEO Kyle Laughlin told Fast Company, ”We build products for ocean enthusiasts. But those ocean enthusiasts also use those products to solve problems related to climate change or to help mitigate risk.”
Fast Company has also selected what it considers to be the ten most innovative sports companies. In addition to Fanatics and Surfline, the brands ranked 3 to 10 include:
- Golftec has developed a motion capture and measurement system that allows golfers to receive data-based coaching.
- Gamechanger. The company has evolved from a scorekeeping platform to a provider of live and on-demand streams of sports matches. Through numerous partnerships, many children’s leagues are featured.
- NBA. The American professional basketball league expands to Africa.
- Intel. The computer specialist has developed 3DAT, a technology capable of recording high-speed motion tracking and analyzing it using more than 2,000 metrics.
- Carbon is using 3D printing to help Rawlings make new gloves for baseball players and is also working with Fizik on printer-made cycling saddles and developing 3D-printed shoes with Adidas.
- Opendorse now connects amateurs in addition to professionals with endorsement deals.
- Drone Racing League. Using 5G technology, fans can watch the flights in real-time. Media reach since then has multiplied via traditional media, especially via TikTok.
- Abbott. They offer wearables to monitor the glucose level. Even four-time Tour De France winner Chris Froome and marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge improve their performance with the version for athletes.
