HAT-TAC Wins Inaugural Phoenix Rising Venture Challenge
Local entrepreneurs at HAT-TAC win $15,000 and an opportunity to collaborate with Phoenix Rising FC
In October of 2019 the Global Sport Institute (GSI) in partnership with ASU Entrepreneurship + Innovation announced a new collaboration with Phoenix Rising FC — the Phoenix Rising Venture Challenge. This gave GSI and Phoenix Rising the unique opportunity to develop a new funding track focused on the needs of the organization. The challenge was a call for ASU students, faculty, and broader community members to innovate around topics of interest specific to Arizona’s highest level professional soccer team.
After multiple application windows and thorough evaluation the challenge culminated on Friday, May 1st, at the Spring 2020 Venture Devils Demo Day where entrepreneurs presented video pitches of their ideas. These pitches were evaluated by a panel of judges consisting of leadership from the Global Sport Institute and Phoenix Rising FC, including General Manager, Bobby Dulle.
Following evaluations from the judges, an online award ceremony was held to announce the winners. Jeff Kunowski, Associate Director of Innovation Programs at GSI, announced HAT-TAC as the grand prize winner for the Phoenix Rising Venture Challenge. Created by ASU alum Domenic Fotino, the start-up creates a customizable hat storage and display hanger designed to keep the curve of a hat. HAT-TAC received $15,000 in funding, as well as additional mentorship from GSI and our partners. The award also came with the unique opportunity to beta test their product at an upcoming Phoenix Rising game when they return to play. The judging panel recognized this concept as a great way to supplement current retail offerings and to seek opportunities for engagement that would benefit both HAT-TAC and Phoenix Rising.
We spoke to HAT-TAC founder Domenic Fotino about his recent award and future plans:
Global Sport Institute: What are your thoughts on your award and the opportunity to work with Phoenix Rising?
Dominic Fotino: Winning the award was an awesome experience. We have won Venture Devils awards three times now over the past few years and this was the most exciting hands down. I have been a fan at numerous Phoenix Rising games and love the atmosphere they create and the social positivity they have given to college kids in the Tempe area. Working with Phoenix Rising and the Global Sport Institute is going to boost our company in ways we never could have imagined. We hope to be able to work with adidas and the Global Sport team over the next few months to gain insight on how to expand even more.
GSI: What are your future plans for HAT-TAC?
DF: We plan to use the money won through the award to make an upgraded version of our product and to boost the ability to mass produce our product. We are blessed and thankful for Venture Devils, the mentors they have brought into our lives, Phoenix Rising, and ASU for supporting us as we evolve and grow.
Special Mention: The panel of judges was also impressed with another venture’s pitch and announced Fútbar as runner-up for the competition. Fútbar is a global entertainment venue that incorporates a unique dining and sports bar experience with street soccer. This venture was created by Rachel Masterson, a graduate student in the Thunderbird School of Management at ASU. Fútbar was awarded the opportunity to collaborate with executives from Phoenix Rising and beta test their concept at an upcoming event as well.
The Global Sport Institute remains dedicated to continuing to support and inspire innovators and entrepreneurs in the world of sport. We are excited to continue our partnership with Phoenix Rising FC and look forward to seeing the club continue to be a leader in sport innovation.
To learn more about the Global Sport Institute’s Innovation Programs, visit our website.
