There are regular fans, then there are superfans. Superfans are the ones who yearn for exclusivity when it comes to their favorite athletes and celebrities. In order to cater to that crowd, Super Bowl champion and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has announced the launch of his new app, TraceMe.
Founded by Wilson along with CEO Jason LeeKeenan, TraceMe provides an immersive, interactive and content-filled experience between fan and celebrity.
“We think there’s a gap for the most passionate fans out there,” said LeeKeenan in a statement. “Our vision for TraceMe is to define a new category for superfan engagement. When the floodlights are shut off at a big game or a sell-out show, the smartphone offers the best place for a superfan to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite artists, athletes and entertainers. We want to give them the VIP experience they’ve always dreamed of.”
Naturally, the first celebrity featured on the app will be Wilson himself as he serves as TraceMe’s executive chairman. Users will have access to things like a weekly Wilson-led podcast as well as insight and tips on how to train like the QB.
“Now that it’s football season, my number one priority is leading the Seahawks to another Super Bowl victory,” Wilson said in a statement. “TraceMe is going to help me on that journey by providing me with a direct line to my most passionate supporters who drive my motivation throughout this amazing season.”
With the app, LeeKeenan says the vision is to reinvent the fan club experience for the mobile-first era. That means TraceMe will begin rolling out content for superfans of entertainers along with athletes.
The app also recently announced a $9 million Series A funding round led by Madrona Venture Group. Among a group of angel investors is Bezos Expeditions, the personal investment company of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
“At the core of every great team there are passionate leaders like Jason and Russell and a commitment to continuous improvement,” Matt McIlwain, a Managing Director of Madrona Venture Group and board member of TraceMe, said in a statement. “TraceMe is focused on improving and personalizing the ways talented stars share content and interact with their biggest fans. The entire Madrona team is excited to help TraceMe realize its full potential.”
Wilson and the Seahawks opened up the season on Sunday with a 17-9 loss to the Green Bay Packers. They will return to action in their home opener next week agains the division-rival San Francisco 49ers.
