Category Archives: Tech of Sports

From the shoes we wear on our feet to the high definition televisions in our living room, wearable devices, the sports universe is a breeding ground for technology. Writer and Photographer Rick Limpert will examine this each week on The Tech of Sports – With guests which include athletes, inventors and journalists that cover the intersection of sports and technology.

Angel Vossough, VinoVoss and AI Wine

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AI might soon be making your wine selections, even at sports events.

Angel Vossough, CEO & Co-Founder Angel Vossough is the CEO and Co-Founder of BetterAI, a Silicon Valley-based AI service provider headquartered in Silicon Valley. The company is uniquely leveraging advanced AI technologies such as Machine Learning, Generative AI, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision to create this transformative solution that is revolutionizing the relationship between wine and digital platforms. She is also Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Caspian Capital, an early-stage investment firm focusing on deep tech, biotech, and AI; and was Co-Founder of OpenCovidScreen, a non-profit focused on driving innovation in low-cost, accessible COVID-19 testing.

Rick talks to Angel about AI, wine and her latest project, VinoVoss.

Angel, an esteemed data scientist, holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Computer Engineering, as well as master’s degrees in Software Engineering from San Jose State University, and Data Science from UC Berkeley where she graduated with honors.

How does BetterAI approach developing customized AI solutions for niche markets or industries? Can you give an example related to the wine industry?

Topics:

· How did the idea for Vino Voss come about?

· What was your goal in creating it?

· Did you have AI in mind from the start?

· Wine is a $39 billion market. How do you plan to disrupt it?

· How much does it cost?

· How does the AI algorithm work to select wine?

· What are the biggest challenges using AI for selecting wine?

Angel, an esteemed data scientist, holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Computer Engineering, as well as master’s degrees in Software Engineering from San Jose State University, and Data Science from UC Berkeley where she graduated with honors.

Angel was previously a Senior Network Engineer at Cisco Systems, specializing in Network Architecture for major telecommunications companies including Verizon Wireless. BetterAI’s products include “VinoVoss” (www.VinoVoss.com), a semantic search and recommendation system creating a virtual wine sommelier, and “BetterMed,” a generative AI-based medical diagnostic assistant. Angel is a technology leader and serial entrepreneur. She also founded DiverseUp, a public-benefit corporation building a professional community for technical & scientific women. In her role as BetterAI CEO, and with a strategic focus on VinoVoss as one of its primary products, Angel oversees the direction and growth of the company’s innovative AI applications in the wine industry. This includes setting the overall strategic direction for BetterAI and VinoVoss; ensuring company objectives align with market needs and her company’s vision; building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and investors to support and advance BetterAI’s business goals; and ensuring the alignment of VinoVoss’s development with BetterAI’s broader technological advancements and business strategy.

 

Tony Shellman, Streetwear and Urban Fashion Trailblazer, Head of Marketing at Starter

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Great to talk to Tony Shellman of Starter this week. They are still “what the pros wear” and have a new partnership with the Atlanta Braves.

Starter, one the most iconic, innovative and authentic sports apparel companies in the world, is celebrated with an ICON at Threads By Braves Clubhouse Store special event with legendary Artist & Music Producer, Rapper, So So Def CEO, Grammy Award Winner, Jermaine Dupri.

Shellman was part of the festivities.

Jermaine donned his favorite Starter gear to officially start the game by giving the iconic “Play Ball” announcement on the mic live from Truist field. No wonder the Braves scored 10 back to back runs!

Launched in 1971, Starter changed the face of the sports apparel industry forever. Starter boasts licensing deals with every major American sports league, and it’s no secret that Starter products have been used by more professional teams than any other brand. The Starter S and Star completely connect the fan, the team and the player and allow the fan to “wear what the pros wear.”

Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot

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Talking to the President of one of the iconic retail brands in the world, this week.

Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot.

Big news, especially for Atlanta from The Athlete’s Foot.

The Athlete’s Foot is honored to announce the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters, flagship location and community center at 931 Monroe Drive, Suite 113E, Atlanta, GA 30308. Nestled in the heart of Midtown, this new establishment promises to be a cornerstone for retail excellence and community engagement.

Strategically located on the iconic Atlanta Beltline and Piedmont Park, the new location aims to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the neighborhood. The Athlete’s Foot plans to implement community enrichment, sponsorships, educational programming underscoring their commitment to supporting local communities and fostering meaningful connections.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new US headquarters, flagship store, and community center in the heart of Midtown Atlanta,” said Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot. “This location is the first of its kind on Atlanta’s iconic BeltLine and will serve as a cultural hub for community engagement and deeper connectivity. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience what The Athlete’s Foot has to offer, from the neighborhood, for the neighborhood.”

The Athlete’s Foot has proudly partnered with Black-owned businesses to develop the flagship location, enlisting T. Dallas Smith & Co., the largest black African American-owned commercial real estate firm in the country, to continue its standing collaboration with The Athlete’s Foot on finding locations for new stores focused on underserved black and minority communities. J.M. Lee Construction Co., founded by Morehouse graduate Justin Lee, served as the general contractor, while Atlanta artist Aysha Pennerman will be contributing vibrant murals celebrating local culture. These partnerships reflect The Athlete’s Foot’s commitment to diversity and community and supporting Black entrepreneurship in its growth strategy.

Warren Moon, NFL Hall of Famer, on His Fans and Collectibles

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Rick had the chance to catch up with former NFL great, Warren Moon at Fanatics Fest in New York.

He played professionally for 23 seasons, spending the majority of his career with the Houston Oilers of the and the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. Moon also played for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He remains one of the greatest undrafted players in NFL history.

He had success during his six CFL seasons, five of which ended in Grey Cup victories, resulted in him being signed by the Oilers in 1984. During his 17 NFL seasons, Moon was named Offensive Player of the Year in 1990 after leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns. He led the NFL in passing yards twice, while also receiving nine Pro Bowl selections. Moon spent 10 seasons with the Oilers, whom he led to seven playoff appearances, and made an eighth postseason run with the Vikings before retiring in 2000.

Moon is also the only player inducted to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

He talks to Rick about the sports collecting business and how he is amazed by all of it.

Robert Klevens, Prestige Collectibles, Japanese Sports Cards

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The owner of Prestige Collectibles was at the National Sports Collectors Convention with an expansive booth full of Japanese sports cards. Klevens has been buying them for almost 35 years.

It’s a hobby he took up while living in Japan. He spent six years living there while running Tokyo’s largest card shop, The Ball Park. Now, he makes regular trips to the Far East from his Ft. Lauderdale, FL home to uncover cards and memorabilia.

It’s great to have the opportunity to talk with Robert.

It begs the question, are his customers here in the States or halfway around the world?

“I have some customers in Japan, but mainly Americans,” explained Kleven, while conducting business at his booth not far from the front entrance. “There is a lot of interest in Sadaharu Oh cards, the Japanese home run king, items from when Babe Ruth toured Japan and the current list of Japanese MLB players.”

Shohei Ohtani’s success in the States has been a boon for Klevens and his business, which features primarily cards from various sports that were released in Japan.

Klevens noted that Americans have long been fascinated with Japanese culture and Japanese sports fans love baseball and follow MLB players. It’s a crossover.

“A lot of Americans also visit Japan and attend games there,” said Klevens.

Rick and Robert talk about that and a lot more.

Satish Kumar, Orion Innovation, An Athlete’s Journey to a Professional Career

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According to Markets N Research, youth sports is an estimated $38 billion industry that is expected to grow to $69 billion in 2030.

Satish Kumar is the Professional Sports Industry Leader at Orion Innovation, a leading digital transformation and products development firm. He and his team work with global sports teams and leagues to help them oversee an athlete’s journey from inception to a professional career. Orion is the Digital Transformation Partner for Liverpool Football Club.

He joins Rick to discuss the growing youth sports industry and how technology is helping to track, organize, and manage the different global leagues and clubs for young participants.