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zone14, the Viennese SportsTech start-up in the field of automated video analysis and data-driven match intelligence, has been included in the international ‘FedEx Champions of Business’list as one of the most innovative companies in football - an initiative by FedEx in collaboration with Financial Times, which recognises forward-looking small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are rethinking football on and off the pitch.
As part of the launch campaign, zone14 was one of three selected start-ups to present its vision to a high-calibre jury. Football legend Andrés Iniesta, FedEx Europe SVP Dan Vines and former national captain and entrepreneur Bex Smith were impressed by the innovative solutions that zone14 offers for the analysis and optimisation of matches and training sessions.
‘Football is more than what happens on the pitch,’ said Iniesta. ‘It's these companies in the background that drive the game forward.'
The FedEx Champions of Business initiative aims to make the impact of SMEs in football visible - from new forms of fan experience to sustainable stadium solutions and high-tech scouting tools. According to a Europe-wide survey of 100 football clubs, 71% of respondents believe that SMEs bring significant added value to football.
‘We are proud that our work has been recognised not only by professional clubs, but also on this international stage,’ says Simon Schmiderer from zone14. ‘This award shows that smart, data-based solutions have arrived in football - and that they can come from Vienna.’
The full list of honoured companies and inspiring stories will be published in mid-April on fedex.com/champions and via the FedEx, UEFA and Financial Times channels.
