Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian chess player ranked No. 1 in the world, has made significant contributions to the world of chess since becoming the second-youngest chess grandmaster in history at the age of 13 in 2004. His exceptional talent and strategic prowess have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest chess players of all time.
At 33 years old, Carlsen is now venturing into the world of sports technology by backing an Oslo-based company called SportAI. This innovative company aims to provide commentary and analysis for various sports, with a primary focus on tennis. Despite chess not being included in the Olympics, the International Olympic Committee recognizes chess as a sport, highlighting the mental acuity and strategic thinking required to excel in the game.
SportAI’s mission is to democratize access to technique analysis in the rapidly growing AI-influenced sports market, projected to reach $30 billion by 2032. The integration of artificial intelligence in sports, such as computer vision and machine learning, is revolutionizing how athletes receive feedback and improve their performance across different disciplines.
One of the key features of SportAI is its AI-powered swing analysis for tennis players. By utilizing computer vision, machine learning, and biometric analysis, the platform can provide personalized feedback on a player’s technique by comparing it to professional players and offering tailored suggestions for improvement. This level of detailed analysis was previously limited to elite athletes but is now accessible to a wider audience through SportAI’s innovative technology.
The founders of SportAI, including former NCAA tennis player Lauren Pedersen, have leveraged their expertise to develop a platform that enhances the training and performance evaluation process for athletes. By analyzing video footage from various sources, SportAI can offer insights into areas such as swing velocity, hip and shoulder rotation, and weight transfer, helping players refine their skills and reach their full potential.
While SportAI initially focuses on racquet sports like tennis and paddleball, the company plans to expand its services to other sports with similar swing mechanics, such as golf, baseball, and cricket. By positioning itself as a business-to-business platform, SportAI aims to collaborate with coaching associations, training academies, retailers, brands, and broadcast media to integrate its technology into existing sports infrastructure.
The recent $1.8 million seed round investment in SportAI, led by Skyfall Ventures and supported by backers like Magnus Carlsen, reflects the growing interest in AI-powered sports technology. With plans to further develop its technology, expand its client base, and enhance the user experience, SportAI is poised to revolutionize the way athletes train, compete, and improve their skills in various sports disciplines. As the sports industry continues to embrace artificial intelligence and data-driven insights, platforms like SportAI are at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of sports performance analysis and training.