DICK’S Sporting Goods Launches DSG Ventures to Invest in the Future of Sports
DICK’s Sporting Goods announced the launch of DSG Ventures this week, a $50 million in-house fund that will invest in innovative companies improving the world of sports
DSG Ventures, DICK’s Sporting Goods’ new in-house fund, will focus on directly serving athletes and their communities through investing in innovation. The fund will help these companies grow by providing them with support including distribution reach and industry-leading expertise in retail and operational excellence.
“DICK’S would not be what it is today without the support we received along the way from others who saw our company’s potential,” said Ed Stack, the Executive Chairman and Chief Merchant of the company. “Now DSG Ventures will enable us to give back and help support entrepreneurs achieve their dreams through our connections, experience and support. We know that DSG Ventures (and our partners) will bring innovative products, services and experiences to athletes around the world.”
The initial DSG Ventures investments include Moolah Kicks, the first and only women’s basketball performance footwear brand built by and for female players, SidelineSwap, one of the fastest-growing marketplaces for sporting goods, and Out&Back Outdoor, a one-stop shop for buying and selling outdoor gear. “The investment by DICK’S Sporting Goods, coupled with our distribution partnership, has propelled the Moolah Kicks brand from a basketball start-up to a category pioneer with a national footprint,” said Natalie White, Founder and CEO of Moolah Kicks. “We could not be more encouraged by DICK’S Sporting Goods’ continued commitment to providing performance products specifically for female athletes.”
DSG Ventures is also working with VentureFuel, an innovation advisory, on a Retail Innovation Program to identify startups that could collaborate with DICK’s on a pilot program to enhance customer experiences ranging from e-commerce, in-store experience, to AI.
DICK’s core belief is that sports make people better. The company’s fund will support new and innovative ideas to improve the world of sports and fitness, having a positive impact on the lives of individuals and their communities.