FanVision, the in-venue technology and content provider used at professional sporting events across the world, announced a merger today with PrePlay Inc., the premier developer of mobile games in sports entertainment. FanVision is operated by RSE Ventures, the firm co-founded by Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross and Dolphins Vice-Chairman Matt Higgins.
“FanVision and PrePlay are on the cutting edge of the sports technology landscape,” said RSE Ventures CEO and co-founder Matt Higgins. “Both leverage unique intellectual property to provide exciting content that enhances the fan experience. This merger is a natural expansion to create one forward-thinking company that will offer unmatched service for both fans and customers in the years ahead.”
Among other services, FanVision currently offers live video and real-time statistics on a dedicated handheld device in venues worldwide. FanVision is used at professional golf events and NASCAR™ races throughout the globe, attending more than 40 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ races last year alone. PrePlay develops live, mobile games that enable fans to predict events in real time, with clients and partners including MLB.com, the NHL, and the US Open Tennis Tournament. The merger allows FanVision to augment its current product with native mobile applications to bring its unique content to additional fans.
The new company will operate under the FanVision name and current PrePlay CEO Andrew Daines will become CEO of the combined entity. Current partners and fans will see no change or interruption in services from either FanVision or PrePlay.
“Marrying a best-in-class hardware and content delivery company like FanVision with a mobile-first studio like PrePlay will create a powerhouse in the marketplace,” said CEO Andrew Daines. “We will be the sole firm with the know-how, hardware, software, relationships, and intellectual property to deliver on the promise of the connected fan enjoying events in the connected stadium.”
FanVision’s 50 employees will work out of offices in New York City, Paris, Montreal and Charlotte. New York City will serve as the company’s headquarters.
Methuselah Advisors acted as advisor to PrePlay on the transaction and the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
FanVision/PrePlay PR
