KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s first amateur sports over-the-top (OTT) platform, Huddle+ is on its way to becoming a reality following a RM1 million boost.
The company behind Huddle+ AirUpThere Technologies Sdn Bhd (AUT Tech) recently raised an initial RM 1 million funding to launch the OTT, a sports marketplace app and content curator that helps athletes and fans connect.
The Covid-19 pandemic gave the intended boost to look at new ways for athletes and fans alike to ease the process of discovering, participating, and paying for sports.
“We started with the purpose of making sports more accessible, to unify the fragmented market and create an extended sports community,” said Andri Khusahry, who is the co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of AUT Tech.
“We believe that digitising the athlete experience is the key to doing that.”
Andri revealed that AU Tech has also successfully deployed 12 AI cameras across seven venues in the Klang Valley – the Eco Ardence Football and New Camp Football Fields, UCSI Basketball Court, Supersports Arena, Radia Arena, ReadMyGame @ Cobra Club, and WNZ Sports Arena.
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Huddle came about at the right time say its promoters as it is a low-cost digital tool that can safely transition the sports industry into the new normal due to Covid-19.
“With the digitisation of sports content, on-ground sports activities and reach all in one place,” said Andri.
The RM1 million funding was raised by strategic partner Datuk Aldillan Anuar, owner of ReadMyGame Sdn Bhd and vice-president of Cobra Rugby Club.
“On Huddle+ the action and stories are real. For sports marketing, your values need genuine representation, more so in a discerning social media environment. We plan to give our consumers the ultimate showcase,” Aldillan said.
The financial boost will allow AUT Tech to acquire cameras to be set up at various sports tournaments, which will enhance the content on the Huddle platform.
The funding has already enabled AUT Tech to secure exclusive distribution rights in Malaysia for AI automated camera manufacturer Pixellot, the video production and live streaming provider for FC Barcelona, FC Real Madrid as well as over 2,000 high school sports programmes across the United States.
AUT Tech believes that the initial investment and deployment will showcase to the Malaysian local market the value of being able to view daily games and matches, which will also showcase popular players and rising star athletes.
“This content and portal will also influence potential grassroots athletes that they can dream big and go all the way and reach the pinnacle of their sport – winning international championships and medals,” said Andri.
‘We are also confident Huddle+ can help grow and develop our Malaysian talent pipeline, which will also have a positive influence on talent identification of future athletes.” – The Vibes March 23, 2022
