FutbolConnect’s™ mobile app breaking down barriers for “Futbol/Soccer Players" (male & female, 13+), and coaches within communities around the world so they can get viewed, connected or discovered! FutbolConnect does for footballers what Spotify does for independent artists.
Problem
Even though, Futbol is the most popular sport in the world, played over 200 countries, a golden generation of players (male & female, recreational & competitive, 13+) and coaches are being denied their chance to shine because the current system was designed for those who have the economic means and not the millions who don't. So how are they going to get seen, connected, discovered or recruited. A key undeserved market is the female market up 138% compared to 16% in the men's game (FIFA Big Count).
Solution
FutbolConnect's mobile technology and online tools overcomes these barriers, by putting the power of technology in the palm of their hands so they can be their own "Agents." Where they can be seen, connected, discovered or recruited by millions of coaches worldwide who are seeking new talent. How? Futbol players and coaches create a multimedia profile: inputting their stats and begin creating their sports resume, uploading their pictures and videos showcasing their talent, so they can promote themselves and connect and share (locally and globally). Select, follow and see live scores of their favorite professional teams and engage with great content, all in the palm of their hand and in ONE location. All while building a searchable database of a coveted market of footballers that will attract digital advertisers, sponsors, monetizing data and upselling with other value-added services, ie., subscriptions, eStore, eTraining, eEducation, eLibrary, Games, Entertainment, AI, Fantasy Leagues, and more... Imagine .. providing your child with FREE tools to fuel their dreams!
Market Size
Unlocking a $240M playing field! Our market spans globally, with a TAM of $12B, targeting 500M players. Our SOM of 3M players is focused on South America, beginning in Bolivia and we aim to score big with 100K in 2024, 300K in 2025 and 1M app installs in 2026! We’ve segmented the market using FIFA’s 6 Continental Confederations – however, it only includes the ones who have the economic means and leaves out millions of players and coaches within communities around the world, ie., AYSO (400K), US Youth Soccer (3M), RUSH (45K), YMCA and other Youth Soccer Associations, institutions and club associations www to name a few. Our target market encompasses the 18-34 demographic that represents 64% of social media users. Latin America (SAM) is among the world’s largest futbol regions, thus we’ve commenced market penetration in South and North America (SOM). 82% of web users in Latin America use social networks and two of Facebook’s largest global user markets are in Latin American (Brazil and Mexico). Futbol delivers some of the most sought-after U.S. audiences including Millennials and Hispanics.
Go-to-Market Strategy
Kick-starting with Country Sales Consultants
Micro targeting with community influencers, MOUs
Targeted social media marketing ads and campaigns both earned and paid
Sponsorships: Teams, Clubs, Leagues, Academies, Associations, Events
Strategic partnerships
Professional Endorsements
Competition
Our major competitors (Football Talent Scouts, Wyscout, TransferMarkt, Team Snap, Leverade) all have a Futbol web presence with multiple features, several language options, and they offer FREE and/or FEE-based services. However, they're focus is on established and competitive players. FutbolConnect we’ll connect with those players who have the economic means as well as the millions who don’t; what we refer to as an undeserved market of “untapped talent.” While FutbolConnect acknowledges its competition, our team believes its business model will mitigate competitive threats and capitalize on the identified opportunity gaps such as geographic, specialization/expertise, value-added services and user-friendliness. “Untapped talent” will be a focal point of FutbolConnect’s business model and overall strategy, helping players along the way to achieve their athletic goals, connect with other players and coaches within schools, teams/clubs, associations, academies and semi/professional sports teams throughout the world.
Traction
Implementing our Go-to-Market Strategy our Pilot (Santa Cruz, Bolivia and CA in the USA). We garnered 30K users through boots on the ground; though storytelling and sharing young talented footballers within communities we grew organically to 350K social media followers; identified key influencers and signed 5 MOUs; sponsored the Bolivian Women’s Natl team to the Copa de Libertadores; through one of our partnerships with SBS Sports Management, one of our players was recruited to play Futbal in Spain; we garnered FREE PR and media, been interviewed on TV and radio in South America: self-funded to-date and raised $100K in a friends and family round.
Business Model & Revenue
FutbolConnect™ is a Freemium and Subscription SaaS model, upselling with benefits and other value-added services such as our advanced profile for the competitive player with AI- technology for personalized training & development; team and tournament management for clubs, leagues, academies and associations allowing us to add 100's of players & coaches significantly reducing our CAC; since we’re building a searchable database of a coveted market of footballers, our “Virtual Scout,” will be a new channel for coaches, scouts and agents streamlining their searches & travel similar to what LinkedIn does for recruiters. Along with other verticals: eStore, gamification, fantasy leagues, eLibrary, eCoaching, entertainment, live-streaming, AI and more...
Management Team:
We understand the importance of team, team, team and even though my team has over 25+ years of executive business experience building startups into established companies, we still need some digital marketing and social media expertise. FutbolConnect’s partners and advisors all have proven track records working in hi-tech and helping startups achieve explosive growth and increase shareholder value.
Together, we’ve not only identified this growing market, but possess superb knowledge of the game, both locally and internationally.
· Frances T. Nevarez, Cofounder/CEO; with proven entrepreneurial and OD skills; Chair of Boards & Commissions; Fortune 500 leadership training and experience, P&L responsibilities for natl firms: HP, AT&T, Motorola
· Roberto L. Telleria, VP, Brand Ambassador in LATAM; Experienced talent scout and recruiter in U.S. and South America
· Farooq Hassan, CFO; raised Series A funding at previous startup, specializes in financial controls, modeling, and revenue growth; MBA from NYU; former ED at Bank of America and Analyst at UBS
· Dario Vasconsellos, CTO, Head of IT/Web/App Development
Funding w/Milestones:
Previous capital: $350K Self-funded
Seed round: $1M
Exit Strategy
FutbolConnect’s exit strategy foresees acquisition within 5-7 years by a Futbol organization, sports, media or entertainment industry group.