God of Corporate Hunting - Chapter 249
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◈ Episode 249 Major League (3)
Nam Woon-myeong met Seon Yun-ah together with Chairman Choi Yong-muk.
Seon Yoon-ah seemed flustered when she met Chairman Choi Yong-mook, but as expected from a professional, she did not forget her original mission.
They moved to Caltech.
The sports technology startup that Sunyoon Ah introduces today was a new company that started as a venture within a university. The founder had graduated from college but had not yet left his old nest.
While enjoying the free atmosphere of an American university, they visited the school’s venture startup center.
I easily found the company in a somewhat chaotic atmosphere reminiscent of a club meeting place.
Spotechnics.
The idea of applying science and technology to all sports, including soccer and baseball, has been realized.
The first product I encountered was a mannequin modeled after a pitcher.
Wearable sensors are attached to various parts of the pitcher’s body to collect various data during the pitching motion. Based on this data, the pitcher’s prone to injury areas are identified in advance and countermeasures are taken. Also, when the pitcher forgets his pitching form, this data is used to help him escape from a slump. Sometimes, the ideal pitch type suitable for the pitcher is also developed.
Depending on how you use it, there is a world of infinite applications.
“Thank you so much for looking for me.”
They were warmly welcomed by founder and CEO Ted Collins.
“This is Seon Yoon-ah, who I spoke with earlier. She is the head of the New York branch of Korea Asset Management, and this is…….”
Seon Yoon-ah introduced Nam Woon-myung and Choi Yong-mook.
When Choi Yong-mook revealed that he was the owner of the Hwayoung Dragons, Ted Collins’ face became even more moved.
“We are also developing various products for baseball players.”
Ted’s words grew louder, perhaps because he thought he could sell the product if he did well.
To summarize Ted’s introduction:
Ted Collins, who had been interested in sports since he was young, was born with a weak body. He once dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, but his physical ability was too much for him. So, when he was in middle school, he changed his dream. Instead of becoming an athlete himself, he became a scientist who helps athletes.
At that time, statistics and science, including sabermetrics, were being incorporated into American professional baseball, creating a boom.
He was fascinated by sports science. He realized that developing new technologies could have a huge impact on the advancement of sports.
After entering Caltech, he implemented relevant technologies and started a business at the on-campus entrepreneurship center. Five years have passed since graduation.
“We speak with data, not feelings.”
This is the motto of Spotechnics.
“In soccer, vests equipped with electronic tracking systems collect data on individual players’ activity levels and locations to help devise game strategies. The world’s leading company in this field is currently Catapult from Australia, but our products are more effective.”
He then introduced an app that collects data on players’ fatigue, stress levels, and sleep times to design optimal training.
In addition, a system that corrects golf swing posture using artificial intelligence using deep learning technology was developed, and a golf distance improvement program was developed by analyzing foot pressure and weight movement information using sensors attached to shoe insoles.
When I heard the explanation, I found out that they were developing technology-based products that achieved results in various fields including soccer, baseball, and golf.
It was a field that only experts in both science and sports could attempt.
“That’s amazing. Will my actual grades improve as well?”
“I haven’t used it properly yet, but I’m sure it will be effective.”
Unfortunately, there have been few cases of actual application of the products and technologies developed. This is the limitation of a new venture.
Nam Woon-myeong saw the potential of golf-related developments, while Choi Yong-muk was interested in products that could be immediately introduced to baseball.
“3D motion capture technology can be very effective depending on how it is used…….”
Ted quickly intervened in Choi Yong-muk’s worries.
“We have tested it several times with college baseball teams. However, we have not yet interacted with professional teams, so there have been no cases of application. Since we are collecting a huge amount of data, if we have the manpower to utilize the data, we will see the effect right away. At least, it is definitely better than nothing.”
Seon Yoon-ah focused on another part.
“You’ve been contacting us for a while now, right? Is there a particular reason why you’re looking to receive investment from Korea Asset Management?”
“Korea Asset Management is not a large company, but I heard that they have almost never failed in their investments so far. That means that if they receive investment, success is almost guaranteed. That’s why I contacted Korea Asset Management first.”
Unfortunately, Spotechnics’ proposal did not catch Sun Yoon Ah’s attention. Above all, it was because Sun Yoon Ah was a sports novice. Half a year after the proposal, I was disappointed and was about to look for another investment company when Sun Yoon Ah came to see me in person today.
“You’ve been waiting for a long time.”
“I was confident that our ideas and the products we were developing would attract investors’ attention.”
Going into the detailed techniques, it becomes difficult and complicated, so it was not easy for Nam Un-myeong to make a judgment. Also, how the on-site managers and coaches will accept these techniques is a significant variable.
However, Nam Yunming did not give a detailed evaluation or outlook on this technology… …but rather a rough estimate was made based on the appearance.
“What is your date of birth?”
“Huh? Oh! I’m still young. It’s only been five years since I graduated from college.”
Ted readily told me his date of birth.
Nam Woon-myung, who looked into the fate, was surprised. Ted’s future was unexpectedly successful.
I didn’t think the sports tech industry had a bright future, so much so that I had to wonder for a moment whether Ted might be succeeding in another field.
“How big is this market?”
“It is currently growing explosively. It will be a market worth at least 50 billion dollars in the next few years. Since Spotecnics’ technology is currently at the top, I am confident that we will secure at least half of this market.”
It is a confidence that only leaders in the relevant industry can display.
“How did you cover the development costs during that time?”
“The colleagues who started the business together pooled the investment funds. The large amount was resolved through low-interest loans from the school’s venture support center. Now, we have reached our limit without external investment…….”
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This is the hardship that everyone experiences in the early stages of a venture. World-famous IT companies have experienced this in their early days.
“How much investment do you want?”
“5 million dollars for a 50% stake.”
Five million dollars is an amount that can be readily invested without hesitation at the current size of Korea Asset Management. The same goes for Chairman Choi Yong-mook.
Nam Woon-myeong asked Choi Yong-muk’s opinion.
“I think it’s okay. There’s a device that can be applied to Hwayoung Dragons right now. If we use it and see even a little effect, wouldn’t it be easy to recoup the investment? The business item is quite good. I want to invest.”
Even from a businessman’s perspective, it seems like there is a possibility of success.
Nam Woon-myeong also nodded to Seon Yoon-ah.
Seon Yoon-ah organized it as a representative.
“Then how about if Korea Asset Management, Mega Asset Management, and Hwayoung Group each invest 1/3? A total of 5 million dollars, with a 50% stake. What do you think?”
Decided to invest.
Ted’s face brightened.
“We will provide products to Hwayoung Dragons for free.”
“That’s not right. You have to pay the price. Bring all the products that the baseball team can use and explain them to me soon. I will positively review the ones that are necessary.”
Ted readily agreed to Choi Yong-mook’s proposal.
I happened to invest in a new venture that supported a baseball team from the side.
Of course, Nam Woon-myung and Choi Yong-mook did not only have the Hwayoung Dragons in mind. They considered the larger US market and even factored in the support of the professional baseball team they would soon acquire.
Choi Yong-muk opened his mouth.
“Do you like baseball?”
“Of course. I like it so much that I never miss a baseball game.”
“Where are you a fan of?”
“I’m a former LA Angel.”
“Why? What about the Dodgers?”
“I don’t really have any affection for the Dodgers. I’ve been an Angels fan since I was little.”
Ted went on and on about his childhood involvement with the Angels.
“You’re a real fan.”
“But now there’s not much hope.”
“why?”
“Two players had an accident there today, right? Their power has been greatly weakened. Even if we don’t watch next season, they’ve already secured last place in the region. Even if they’re fully formed, it’s hard to hope for a regional championship.”
Ted showed me today’s news on his phone.
There was some news I didn’t get to catch up on because I was moving here after meeting Seon Yoon-ah.
The news was that a LA Angels infielder had tested positive for the banned substance clostebol. This was a huge disappointment for fans, as the player was a promising prospect and a key player in the infield defense and offense.
“This guy is still insisting that he didn’t know… Don’t all players who take banned substances make excuses like that? If we apply the current practice, he’ll be suspended for at least 100 games. If we lose this guy to the already weak Angels, next season will be ruined as well.”
Doping is a problem not only for the individual player, but also for the team he plays for. It is also difficult for other players known to be close to that player to avoid suspicion.
The Angels club is probably in a state of mourning right now.
“Didn’t you say there were two?”
Choi Yong-muk, whose ears perked up at the Angels’ incident, showed interest.
“Oh! Another outfielder got into an accident. He fell off his bike last night and broke his left wrist. It’s an injury that will keep him out at least for the next season. We already had two real superstars and the rest were just average, but now that two more average guys have dropped out, it’s pretty much neighborhood baseball.”
“Is the power loss that serious?”
“Without the two superstars, it would be worse than a Triple-A team. Who would call it a major league? This is all because the team owner is not managing it properly.”
Ted, as if he was feeling resentful as a fan, started badmouthing the owner of the team.
The main point is that the players lack grit and show no will to win. The players who invested in it are all either suffering from injuries or are now old and worn-out.
Ted fiercely criticized the owner for not knowing how to spend money properly. He also said that the development system was a mess compared to the Dodgers, so the future was bleak.
“I’m tired now. If I keep going like this, I’ll never win the World Series with the Angels again. I think I’ll just move to the Dodgers.”
Choi Yong-muk also looked at Nam Un-myeong with a bewildered expression at the pessimistic voice.
Nam Yun-myeong said with a smile.
“The owner of the team must be upset by now. With the two players out and the expected performance bleak, the value of the team will fall even further. He must be desperate to sell it even now, don’t you think?”
It was difficult to determine whether the incident that separated the two players was a misfortune or a blessing.
Ted, who had been watching the conversation between the two men closely, asked.
“Are you an Angels fan?”
“Rather than being a fan… I’m thinking about taking over the team right now.”
“wow!”
Ted cheered in surprise.
Ted, who had been exclaiming in admiration for a while, finally suppressed his excitement and continued speaking.
“I also dream of owning a baseball team. I wanted to run a baseball team if I could make money with sports tech. You’re the one who’s showing me that dream! Oh no! Maybe the Angels can use our company’s products? Wow!”
Ted’s talkative mouth just wouldn’t close.
At that moment, I received a call from Morne.
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