Startups shoot for success at Arsenal Innovation Lab
Arsenal FC has wrapped up its Innovation Lab, which launched in September with L Marks and aimed to identify new fan experiences.
This received over 250 applications, with six startups selected to work with the club to develop their proposals, including artificial intelligence and augmented reality. This week, they demonstrated their products and services to senior business leaders from the club at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal will now decide whether to continue with a commercial relationship and invest in the companies.
Chief Commercial Officer Vinai Venkatesham, says: “We have worked with six very exciting startups over the last ten weeks and they have come up with some fascinating ideas which could transform some of the things we do with our supporters. We are always looking to push the club forwards and the Innovation Lab has provided us with the opportunity to work with technologists, startups and entrepreneurs who have brought unique perspectives for us to consider.”
The shortlisted startups as follows:
Peak is a data analytics company based in Manchester. During the programme they used data and AI to help Arsenal get a deeper understanding of factors that influence traffic to the Arsenal.com website.
BotNation is a French startup that creates chatbots on messaging apps, voice apps and websites. On the programme they helped Arsenal provide support with purchases on the ArsenalDirect e-commerce store. They are already used by 700 companies in 53 countries.
WoraPay is a mobile ordering and payment technology company. On the programme they focused on helping Arsenal improve the matchday experience for supporters by allowing them to place orders, make payments and have their food and beverage delivered. Based in London, WoraPay’s tech is already being distributed to UK retailers by Lloyds Banking Group and Mastercard.
‘I like that’ is a London-based startup that enables users to purchase directly from Arsenal.com, without having to navigate to the club’s e-commerce store, ArsenalDirect.com. This provides a revenue stream for publisher websites as well as retailers.
KonnecTo is an Artificial Intelligence-based data analysis platform, based in Tel Aviv. They have helped Arsenal analyse their supporters’ interactions with the club and translate that information into actionable insights.
Aireal allows digital content to coexist in reality using geospatial augmented reality, visible through mobile devices. The company is helping Arsenal engage with its global supporters by providing them with the ability to place static and moving 3D digital objects, such as players or trophies.
