VenueNext, a connected venue technology platform that has generated millions of dollars in increased revenues for sports teams, announced Tuesday that its first NHL customer is the San Jose Sharks.
Beginning with the upcoming Sharks season, VenueNext will power four different venue experiences at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. for Sharks Sports & Entertainment, including the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda.
“We have been impressed by VenueNext’s execution and the business success they have generated at major U.S. professional sports venues to date and look to bring that best in class standard to each of our properties,” Sharks chief operating officer John Tortora said in a statement. “We look forward to giving our guests more convenience and control starting with a new Sharks mobile experience at SAP Center this season.”
Get The Latest Sports Tech News In Your Inbox!
VenueNext provides a smartphone platform to improve the guest experience, helping venue owners increase revenue and cost savings. Other customers include the San Francisco 49ers, Orlando Magic, Yankee Stadium, Churchill Downs, AT&T Stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium.
“VenueNext has enjoyed tremendous success in the past year, forging a strong lead on delivering meaningful return on investment to our customers in sports and entertainment, with deployments at some of the largest and most iconic venues and events across the country, including Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs,” John Paul, CEO and Founder of VenueNext, said in a statement. “With this latest infusion of capital, we will continue to innovate our platform and expand into other vertical markets, including healthcare and hospitality, and grow beyond the United States.”
The $15 million in Series B financing came in a round led by Causeway Media Partners, allowing VenueNext to expand into healthcare and hospitality and internationally, according to the company. The first round of funding that raised $9 million was also led by Causeway Media Partners.