DICK’S Sporting launches $50 million investment fund

DICK’S Sporting has launched DSG Ventures, a $50 million in-house fund that will invest in sporting companies. 

DSG Ventures will initially focus on companies that directly serve athletes and their communities, or that help DICK’S better serve its own athletes.  

DICK’S Sporting said the fund will seek to help companies grow by providing support and resources including distribution reach, industry-leading expertise in retail, operational excellence and relationship with athletes. 

“DICK’S would not be what it is today without the support we received along the way from others who saw our company’s potential,” said Ed Stack, executive chairman. “Now DSG Ventures will enable us to give back and help support entrepreneurs achieve their dreams through our connections, experience and support. We know that DSG Ventures (and our partners) will bring innovative products, services and experiences to athletes around the world.”  

DSG Ventures’ initial investments reflect the fund’s focus on innovation and include: 

• Moolah Kicks is the first and only women’s basketball performance footwear brand built by and for female ballers. 
• SidelineSwap is one of the fastest growing marketplaces globally and the world’s largest online marketplace for sporting goods. 

• Out&Back Outdoor is a one-stop shop when it comes to buying and selling outdoor gear. 
•  EL1 Sports is one of the nation’s leading youth sports companies, offering baseball and softball instruction and team administrative support. Also known as the operator of the Los Angeles Dodgers Training Academy, and Proud Youth Baseball and Softball Training Partner of Major League Baseball, EL1 Sports provides teams with training facilities, camps, tournaments, and operating services. 
• Courtside Ventures partners with early-stage founders challenging the traditional definition of sports, gaming and wellness. 

DSG Ventures is also working with VentureFuel on a Retail Innovation Program to identify startups to collaborate with DICK’S Sporting Goods on a pilot program around enhancing the customer experience. The pilot covers any area of the customer experience from e-commerce to in-store experience to AI.