Game
Sport is our foundation.
Harnessing the power of sport to inspire innovation and opportunity.
Built for Sport.Built for What's Next.
LaunchSport brings together the sports industry, entrepreneurs and communities to advance innovation and economic growth.
We connect the people, ideas and resources that help companies succeed, partners innovate and communities grow.
Our Mission
LaunchSport’s Mission
Advance sports innovation by connecting entrepreneurs, industry and communities to create opportunity, accelerate growth and drive meaningful impact.
Gather
Connection drives progress.
Bringing industry, entrepreneurs and communities together to turn ideas into action.
Grow
Opportunity fuels growth.
Supporting business development, investment, jobs and economic opportunity.
Good
Impact beyond the game.
Creating lasting benefits for the communities we serve.
What We Do
We Connect Innovation to Opportunity
LaunchSport advances sports innovation and economic development through four areas of focus.
Connect the Ecosystem
Build relationships among sports organizations, entrepreneurs, corporations, universities and community leaders.
Accelerate Innovation
Connect emerging companies with industry expertise, strategic partners and opportunities to test and commercialize new solutions.
Drive Economic Growth
Support business expansion, investment, talent development and job creation.
Strengthen Communities
Align sports innovation with regional priorities to create lasting economic and social impact.
About LaunchSport
Built on the Power of Connection.
LaunchSport was founded on the belief that sport can be a powerful catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development.
Across the industry, promising companies, established organizations and community resources often operate independently. LaunchSport exists to bridge those gaps and turn untapped potential into opportunity.
Our vision is to establish a connected network of sports innovation ecosystems that help companies grow, strengthen regional economies and create lasting community impact.
Help companies succeed. Help partners innovate. Help communities grow.
The Ecosystem
LaunchSport sits at the intersection of the ecosystem.
We exist to help every organization become more successful. Through these connections, communities can gain jobs, investment and national recognition.
Built for Sport.
Built for What’s Next.
Entrepreneurs
Building what’s next in sports
Sports Organizations
Seeking innovation and impact
Corporate Partners
Driving growth through strategic collaboration
Civic Leaders
Building stronger communities through sport and innovation
Investors
Funding the future of sports
Universities
Developing talent and research
Meet the Founder
Matt Gardner
Founder, LaunchSport
Matt Gardner is a sports industry executive with more than two decades of experience in professional sports, digital innovation, business development and strategic partnerships.
His career includes leadership roles with the Orlando Magic, St. Louis Blues and YinzCam, along with experience across the broader sports industry, including the ATP Tour, US Open and Kansas City Chiefs.
Through his work serving as an advisor and mentor with innovation programs such as Stadia Ventures, Techstars and Comcast SportsTech, Matt has developed a passion for connecting emerging companies with industry opportunities.
Matt is a native Kansan and a proud graduate of the University of Kansas.
Connect with Matt on LinkedInCONTACT
Let's Connect.
Great Things Happen When the Right People Come Together.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, sports executive, corporate partner or community leader, we'd love to explore opportunities to work together.