TAPPP, a New York-based startup that provides exclusive pre-paid cards with access to live-streaming sports content, announced it had raised $5 million in Series A funding.
The company makes live sports events accessible to fans who are unable to purchase traditional streaming options because they lack a credit card, or do not want to be tied into long-term commitments. Fans can buy pre-paid cards to subscription services such as NFL Game Pass and MLB.tv.
“TAPPP is changing the way fans can consume sports content by giving them unprecedented flexibility in how they watch their favorite teams and players,” said Sandy Agarwal, TAPPP’s Founder and CEO in a press release.
Agarwal added that the company plans to expand to 100,000 retail outlets and to bring new sports media products to consumers through league partnerships. Since launching its flagship product in partnership with MLB this past April, TAPPP cards have been available at more than 5,000 retailers, including Walmart and Gamestop.
TAPPP’s Series A round was led by the ADvantage Fund, which is backed by leAD Sports, a sports tech venture fund launched by the grandchildren of Adi Dassler, the founder of Adidas. The fundraising round also included backing from investors such as Accomplice, Elysian Park, Go4it, Courtside VC, and Sterling.VC.
SportTechie Takeaway
A 2016 survey found that only 33 percent of Americans between the ages of 18-29 owned a credit card. TAPPP is hoping to access the fluid market of fans who do not carry credit cards but still want a sports viewing subscription option.
TAPPP already has established partnerships with powerhouse leagues such as the MLB and NFL. That may be a good indicator that the company will continue to expand upon its live sports viewing options, gaining streaming rights to other high-profile sports leagues.