SportsNL is excited to announce the launch of the second edition of the Sports Tech Innovation Bridge to the United States (STIB-US) – 24/25 TEXMEX Edition!

After the success of the first edition (23/24), STIB-US is back for a second edition. The STIB-US program is designed to help Dutch sports tech companies fast-track their US market entry and equips participants with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to successfully enter the US market focusing on Texas and Mexico.

SportsNL is extending an invitation to all sports tech companies incorporated in the Netherlands and/or the Kingdom Islands to take advantage of this free opportunity.

The STIB-US program is an initiative of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Miami and SportsNL in collaboration with The University of North Texas Sports Innovation Project, Frisco, TX, KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Federation), SportInnovator, the Johan Cruijff Arena, with support from RVO and ScaleNL.

About the program

The STIB-US 24/25 TEXMEX curriculum will consist of three segments:

Starting this December, all participants will have access to six live online workshops by industry experts from the US. These workshops will cover various topics, including:

  • An overview of the US sports industry
  • The sports consumer
  • Trends in sports tech
  • The state of US sports business
  • The business model of US sports
  • Insights towards the 2026 World Cup

Early February of 2025 participants will be able to pitch at the KNVB for a chance to be selected as part of the final cohort. Selected candidates will receive a customized online mentorship program leading up to the highlight of this program: an immersive visit in May 2025 to three prominent World Cup ‘26 host cities: Houston, Dallas, and Mexico City. During this visit, the finalists will undergo an in-person boot camp that familiarizes them with the entrepreneurial sports networks in both states, their respective innovation and tech ecosystems, and provides them with invaluable insights from experts and investors. The program culminates in a pitch in front of a carefully curated audience from all three cities.

Unlike last years’ edition, the visit to the the three host cities will now be part of a bigger mission and thereby also be open for other companies to join.

The Opportunity

Sports is big business. According to The Best-Howard Model, the global sports industry was worth $2.3 trillion in 2019 (even slightly larger than Pharma), and it will continue to grow. The American sports market, the largest in the world, is approximately one-third of this global sports industry. It’s evident that the U.S. sports market, given its scale and prominence, stands as a global leader in both business and innovation. The market continues to be at the forefront with substantial investments not only in the local sports industry but also in global sports events hosted within the U.S.

The US is leading the way in the use of data innovation in sports across American schools, colleges, and universities. For the Dutch sports industry, the American sports sector is very attractive as a market for innovative products, services, and technologies. The Dutch sports sector is constantly developing and innovating, from greening sports locations to youth and talent development, fan experience, athlete performance, vitality and diversity and inclusion. The US market embraces innovation to gain momentum over its competitors.

Major international sporting events will hosted in the US over the coming years, such as the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, World Baseball Classic (WBC) in 2026, FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Additionally, it is on rare occasion that three Formula 1 Grand Prix races (Las Vegas, Austin and Miami) will be hosted in the US. Altogether, this demonstrates optimal momentum from the internal US sports market and offers enormous opportunities for Dutch companies and organizations.

The STIB-US program aims to unlock these opportunities by providing unique exposure, connections and preparation. The program is open to all areas of sport technology innovation, yet will pay additional attention to solutions in the following areas:

  • Athlete performance solutions: Be better solutions in data, mental performance, specialty performance, coaching
  • Sport infrastructure solutions, facilities and operations: grass solutions, smart stadiums and ID solutions, traffic and transport, sustainability (energy, water, greening)
  • Fan engagement & event solutions: smart camera’s, smart ID, social media solutions
  • Community empowerment & social impact solutions: mental health, racism and discrimination topics

Previous participants are encouraged to participate again. We have the same set-up, but will cover new topics during the workshops.

Timeline STIB-US 24/25 TEXMEX Program

The program consists of an initial application process, (mandatory) live virtual workshops providing insights about the US sports market, followed by a selection day at KNVB. The top companies from that pitch will then be selected to cross the bridge and join us in Houston, Dallas and Mexico City. Please block the following dates in your calendar:
December 1 2024
Deadline for signing up for the STIB-US 24/25 TEXMEX Program
December 3, 10, 17 - 2024
Live online workshops (20:00-22:00 CET)
January 7, 14, 21 - 2025
Live online workshops (20:00-22:00 CET)
February 4, 2025
Pitch event at the KNVB (Zeist) for final selection
February – May, 2025
Mentor program for the finalists
May 18 - 20, 2025
Sports mission to Houston
May 21-22, 2025
Sports mission to DallasSports mission to Dallas
May 23, 2025
Sports mission to Mexico City
May 24/25, 2025
End of Sports mission

FAQ

Who should join the STIB-US 24/25 TEXMEX Program?

To qualify for this program, you need to:

  • Be a legal entity (registered at the chamber of commerce in the Netherlands)
  • Responsible Declaration of being up-to-date with their obligations with the State Tax Agency with the applicable Tax Agency, with the local administration and with the Social Security Treasury
  • The founding partners and members of the team with decision-making capacity must attend and actively participate in the program (live and online)
  • The company agrees to participate in the communication and dissemination activities that the promoting and collaborating partners may organize in order to promote the participants in the event and beyond.

Please note: unlike last years’ edition, the visit to the the three host cities will now be part of a bigger mission and thereby also be open for other companies to join. Please read the FAQ on costs involved for admitted participants in the program vs. participants in the trade mission.

What are the criteria to participate in the STIB-US 24/25 TEXMEX Program?

The program is free and open to all, though certain criteria and conditions do apply.

We are looking for companies with an innovative product/technology, capable of providing solutions to meet the challenges in sports as mentioned above.

The applications will be screened by a committee comprised of experts from the respective organizations involved, other industry experts might be added.

The companies/solutions must meet the following criteria and conditions:

  • Year of incorporation – latest 2022
  • Must have at least a minimum viable product/prototype validated in through use in the marketplace
  • Strategic fit: Company fits within the above-mentioned areas and provide an unique solution to these challenges.
  • Level of maturity: The project already has a commercial product or a proven MVP with some relevant customers/users or are in the process of finalizing the validation process of the MVP. Ideally the company is generating revenue or has been provided with outside funding through investors.
  • Team: The proposed team includes a dedicated full-time or part-time staff member focused on the growing U.S. market and has the background to successfully accomplish the market entry process.
  • Market potential: The size of the target customer(s) to which the project is addressing, as well as the purchasing capacity of these customer(s). The company must have a potential long-term impact on the sports sector. In addition, it will be positively valued if they can generate impact in related sectors.
  • Feasibility: To have a business plan based on economic-financial profitability of the project and the generation of employment.
  • Commitment: Ability to show commitment to enter the U.S. market, and willingness to dedicate resources in the short- and medium term.
What are the costs involved with the STIB-US 24/25 TEXMEX Program?

Participation in the live online educational program is free for all companies that are admitted to the program. Attendance to all sessions is mandatory to be eligible for selection for the pitch event at the KNVB in February.

Once selected for the US part of the program as a result of the pitch event at KNVB, each participant is responsible for coordinating and covering their:

  • Travel costs
  • Hotel stay during the US business trip
  • The program can only accommodate 1 person (founder or team member with decision-making capacity) to represent the company during the US-based program

Other participants that wish to join this mission to Houston, Dallas and Mexico City are responsible for all expenses related to this trip, and will be required to fulfill a EUR 500 cover charge per participant upon admission.

What are key dates for the STIB-US 24/25 TEXMEX Program?

Key dates include:

  • December 1, 2024 (23:59 CET) – Application deadline
  • December 3, 10, 17, 2024 – Live online workshops (20:00-22:00 CET)
  • January 7, 14, 21, 2025 – Live online workshops (20:00-22:00 CET)
  • February 4, 2025 – Pitch event at the KNVB (Zeist) for final selection
  • February through May 2025 – Mentor program for the finalists
  • May 18 – 20, 2025 – Sports mission to Houston
  • May 21-22, 2025 – Sports mission to Dallas
  • May 23, 2025 – Sports mission to Mexico City
  • May 24 or 25, 2025 – Return to NL from Mexico City and end of Sports mission

Contact person STIB-US 24/25 TEXMEX Program

Miami, Florida

Maurice Ouderland

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nlinmiami