As tech and sports become more interconnected, many star athletes don't miss the chance to invest in sports startups—and Boston companies are scoring deals.
Last year, former NBA star Shaquille "Shaq" O’Neal partnered with home security startup Ring to to promote neighborhood safety; CoachUp, the Boston-based online coaching service, teamed up with Steph Curry, who also invested in the company and appeared in videos produced by CoachUp.
The latest superstar to back a local startup is 30-year-old NBA player Evan Turner of the Portland Trail Blazers, who recently signed on to close out the latest seed round for ISlide.
“I’ve always admired the creativity and hustle of the ISlide team,” Turner said in a statement. “I love the quality of their slides and the message of self-expression behind them."
ISlide is a custom slide designer headquartered near Revere Beach in Boston. Launched in 2013 by a former head of Reebok Basketball, Justin Kittredge, the company appeared on the season eight premiere of ABC’s hit show "Shark Tank." Though offered a deal by Robert Herjavec, Kittredge declined.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WE8AglmFQ4
According to Kittredge, the capital raised will be used to keep up with increased demand through the procurement of new equipment and inventory, launch new product lines, expand efforts in research and development, sales and marketing.
“We’re beyond thrilled to welcome Evan to the ISlide family,” Kittredge said in a statement. “He is a force both on and off the court, and truly breathes life into our mantra to ‘stand in what you stand for.'"
ISlide won't disclose the amount of its latest round.
