Breaking News New COSU Member & Investor - Shivaas Gulati

[Kenny]

Blink and you miss it appearance from Shiv in this video, about 40 seconds in.

 

[stewart]

Inside knowledge??

dosent need inside knowledge ,im sure the right person / people came along JR and Cosu would welcome them into the consortium, most big companies have many shareholders.. Who knows maybe the shares some of you own may be worth something oneday .

 

[Callum]

Remember Ron comment only too well as did everyone no wants to by the club nearly 12 months on more money invested in the club and stadium had worked done on it slap in the face for Ron

 

[Holy Joe]

He has a good sense of humour...

 

[rshepp]

Why Southend?

 

[AustScullyPriorPowell]

Great news.
Can we now have soap, numbers on seats and Nick Haughton please

 

[fbm]

Remember Ron comment only too well as did everyone no wants to by the club nearly 12 months on more money invested in the club and stadium had worked done on it slap in the face for Ron

Let's not mention he who shall not be named on here. It's negative and frankly what he once said is totally irrelevant now.

I think we've all had enough of him.

 

[fbm]

Having a party with Shivaas Gulati.

We're so back.

Lol

Is anyone else slightly disappointed that his surname isn't Regal? He'd then be a one man party...

 

[overseas shrimper]

[

Let's not mention he who shall not be named on here. It's negative and frankly what he once said is totally irrelevant now.

I think we've all had enough of him.

I've been thinking the same thing. People need to move on and he needs to be consigned to history.

 

[rigsby]

I'd be interested to see how tech will benefit the club greatly. Beyond streamlining and potentially improving the matchday what exactly else can tech do for the club.

Just a genuine question. We are a national league football club not a cutting edge city based start up.

Instead of sneering, why don't you wait and see Tommy. I don't know either because I'm at learning difficulty levels when it comes to tech. The difference is I know someone like Shiv does know what he is doing and so do COSU.

Even if they did explain you would listen anyway. So far you have failed to see the purpose of paying debts, paying tax, paying players, Paying staff on time, improving the training ground, refurbing the D2, refurbing the 1906, getting safety ticket for extra seating in the North West, extra toilets, improving the West stand and allowing fans to use the new NW bar, new scoreboards etc

You have also whinged because COSU haven't spent at Wrexham levels in late August and September after we missing out on all our number 1 targets. In fact you have threaten not to attend if they don't.

If you are going today then why not enjoy the afternoon and realise what we actually do have. Stop wishing we are Wrexham and have some pride in your own city and your own team.

 

[CaptainSmudger]

https://www.geekwire.com/2024/remitly-co-founder-joins-english-soccer-teams-ownership-group-with-plans-to-harness-tech-and-ai/

Shivaas Gulati, a longtime Seattle entrepreneur and investor, at Roots Hall Football Stadium in Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, England, where the Southend United Shrimpers play. (Whitby-Boot Photography / Southend United)
Shivaas Gulati needed a break.

More than 11 years after helping to start Remitly, the Seattle digital remittance company, Gulati said building a tech company had taken its toll. In 2022, he moved with his family to London to step back and recharge and see how a couple years away would feel.

Energized and starting to think again about the passions and hobbies that excite him, Gulati zeroed in on something earlier this year.

“One day I was like, ‘I see a lot of football,” he said, using the more ubiquitous term for soccer outside of the U.S.

He began to explore where his passion for sports and soccer could intersect with his tech background, seeking to better understand how soccer clubs are run, what the business challenges are, and if and how they use technology.

“Tech is everywhere,” Gulati said. “Every company uses it in some way or the other. And sports is no different.”

After talking to numerous clubs, Gulati seized on the opportunity to join an ownership consortium that purchased Southend United, a football club founded in 1906 and located in Southend-on-Sea, about an hour from London. The team competes in the National League — the fifth tier of English football, in which the Premier League is tops.

The announcement was made official on Friday, and with his investment and board seat, Gulati becomes the 11th member of the consortium — dubbed Custodians of Southend United.

Shivaas Gulati, right, with Remitly co-founders Josh Hug, left, and Matt Oppenheimer. (Remitly File Photo)
Gulati has also returned to Seattle where he remains plugged into Seattle’s tech scene. The longtime angel investor recently joined the board of Foundations, an organization to support startup founders with shared workspace, mentorship and more.

But from a distance and via frequent trips back to England, Gulati will pursue his soccer passion and use his background to help guide a more robust technology adoption at Southend. As with teams in Seattle, such as the Sounders and others, that translates to advances on the playing side — wearables, player analytics, game analytics, scouting, recruiting — and the business side — fan engagement, commercial opportunities, strategic partnerships, etc.

“We can reach every fan individually in a personalized way today that wasn’t possible a decade-plus ago,” Gulati said.

And artificial intelligence, as it seems to be doing across every other industry and business, will play a role. Gulati said the more forward-thinking organizations are already considering how to invest in and use AI.

“If you think about a startup’s journey, you have an idea, you prototype it, you test it for a few months, and then you start to grow it, and you want to hit product market fit,” he said. “I think AI and sports will be similar, where clubs will start testing it, and then they’ll hit product market fit with that initiative, and then it’ll take off.”

Half a million people live in Essex County where Southend is based, Gulati said. To engage with and deepen the relationship with that potential fan base, he’s thinking about software and AI.

“I don’t have to go out and hire a team of, let’s say, performance analytics, people,” he said. “I can build those things in house and have AI help us to augment our coaching staff or uncover new business opportunities in the region.”

Gulati and Justin Rees, an Australian entrepreneur who is chairman of the consortium, even used AI to bypass lawyers and draft Gulati’s purchase agreement and contracts.

Sports businesses are not any different than any other business, in Gulati’s view. Challenges such as strategic alignment, execution, tracking goals, measuring performance, coming up with metrics, coming up with ideas — those same problems exist in a football club.

And there are a lot of similarities in terms of execution.

“The same kind of grit, tenacity, planning and iteration you need in a startup or a tech company, I hope to bring all that to Southend and use that as an advantage,” Gulati said.

 

[Massimo Giovanni]

I'd be interested to see how tech will benefit the club greatly. Beyond streamlining and potentially improving the matchday what exactly else can tech do for the club.

Just a genuine question. We are a national league football club not a cutting edge city based start up.

Off the top of my head, and a quick thought that may be miles away from reality as I am a one finger typist techno numpty BUT in sales of seats, food, sponsorship AND from the shop the data from past season must be available and once analysed seen to show areas of missed opportunities and potential growth as well as sustainable levels to eliminate waste.

 

[Morty01]

First team in the National League to use AI for their tactics?

 

[Cricko]

He will no doubt replace all the current stewards with Robots.. Oh Hang on.

 

[Blue Yonder]

Are we going to see John Still and co replaced by data analysts and the coaching team supported by analysts too.

 

[South Bank Hank]

I'd be interested to see how tech will benefit the club greatly. Beyond streamlining and potentially improving the matchday what exactly else can tech do for the club.

Just a genuine question. We are a national league football club not a cutting edge city based start up.

Since the question is about how technology can help even in less than obvious scenarios, I asked my good mate ChatGPT for some thoughts.

Long boring post alert but some of the ideas are pretty cool.


Here's a list of 20 ways technology could enhance both on-field and off-field performance for a lower-league football club aiming to progress through the leagues, along with examples and case studies where applicable:

On-Field Performance

1. Player Performance Tracking
   • Application: Use GPS trackers and wearable tech to monitor players' movement, speed, distance covered, and heart rate during games and training.
   • Example: Leicester City implemented Catapult's player-tracking system to optimize players' conditioning during their 2015-16 Premier League-winning season.
2. Video Analysis for Tactical Insights
   • Application: Use video analysis software like Hudl or Wyscout for reviewing games and training sessions, allowing coaches and players to analyze tactics, positioning, and decision-making.
   • Example: Brentford FC's analysis department uses Wyscout to analyze opponents, helping them climb from lower leagues to the Premier League.
3. Injury Prevention & Recovery Tech
   • Application: Deploy devices like Force Plates, NormaTec recovery systems, and thermal imaging to assess physical strain and recovery needs.
   • Example: Liverpool FC uses a range of recovery tech, including cryotherapy and force plate data, to reduce injuries and aid recovery times.
4. Data-Driven Scouting & Recruitment
   • Application: Use advanced data analytics platforms like StatsBomb to identify talent within specific metrics, often uncovering players from undervalued leagues.
   • Example: Brentford FC pioneered data-driven recruitment, which helped them discover talented players for relatively low costs.
5. Virtual Reality (VR) for Skills Training
   • Application: VR tech allows players to practice specific scenarios virtually, improving decision-making and reaction times.
   • Example: Manchester City has explored VR training with players to create realistic match simulations.
6. AI-Powered Tactical Adjustments
   • Application: Use AI-driven tools like Beyond Sports to simulate various tactical strategies, preparing for different opponents.
   • Example: Dutch clubs like AZ Alkmaar use Beyond Sports' AI simulations to prep for matches by simulating opponent patterns.
7. Biomechanical Analysis for Technique Optimization
   • Application: Employ tools like Dartfish or Kinexon to assess players’ biomechanics, refining technique to enhance performance.
   • Example: AS Roma uses Dartfish to analyze players’ running technique, helping to improve speed and efficiency.
8. Heat Maps & Positional Data for Tactical Awareness
   • Application: Provide visual heat maps and positional data to players to better understand movement and positioning.
   • Example: Borussia Dortmund uses heat maps extensively in training to maximize positional play.
9. Sports Psychology Apps
   • Application: Use mental health and performance apps like Headspace or InnerVoice to support players' psychological well-being and confidence.
   • Example: Clubs like Manchester United have sports psychologists and apps to improve players’ mental resilience.
10. Smart Ball Technology for Technical Skill Development
    • Application: Tools like the Adidas miCoach smart ball track a player’s shooting and passing metrics to improve technique.
    • Example: Some Bundesliga academies have incorporated smart balls in training for more targeted skill development.

Off-Field Performance

1. Fan Engagement Platforms
   • Application: Use apps and platforms (e.g., Socios) to allow fans to engage with the club digitally, boosting loyalty.
   • Example: Barcelona uses Socios to let fans vote on certain aspects of club management, increasing engagement and revenue.
2. AI for Ticketing & Dynamic Pricing
   • Application: Utilize AI-driven ticketing solutions that adjust prices based on demand to maximize attendance and revenue.
   • Example: MLB clubs in the U.S. use dynamic pricing algorithms for tickets, increasing revenues by optimizing pricing.
3. Merchandising through E-commerce Platforms
   • Application: Use targeted e-commerce sites to sell merchandise and reach a wider audience.
   • Example: Manchester City uses a comprehensive e-commerce platform, helping expand its fanbase and merchandise sales globally.
4. Data Analytics for Marketing Strategies
   • Application: Analyze fan demographics and engagement to tailor marketing efforts effectively.
   • Example: AS Roma uses fan data insights to tailor promotions and merchandise launches, boosting revenue.
5. Social Media AI for Fan Sentiment Analysis
   • Application: Use AI tools to analyze fan sentiment on social media, allowing the club to respond better and foster loyalty.
   • Example: Tottenham Hotspur uses social media analysis to adapt its marketing and communication strategies to fan sentiment.
6. Fitness Apps for Fans to Connect with the Club
   • Application: Clubs can create or partner with fitness apps to offer fans training programs similar to those of players.
   • Example: Arsenal has partnered with fitness apps to offer fans personalized fitness and wellness plans.
7. Stadium App for Enhanced Matchday Experience
   • Application: Develop an app that provides fans with real-time updates, food ordering, and other conveniences on matchday.
   • Example: Tottenham Hotspur's stadium app allows fans to order refreshments and get real-time game stats.
8. Blockchain for Fan Ownership & Investment
   • Application: Use blockchain tech to allow fan investment or tokenized ownership, fostering a sense of community.
   • Example: Juventus uses fan tokens that provide fans with voting rights on minor club decisions, increasing fan involvement.
9. Augmented Reality (AR) for Fan Engagement
   • Application: Implement AR to create interactive experiences, such as virtual tours or player interactions.
   • Example: Manchester City has offered virtual stadium tours using AR, bringing fans closer to the club experience.
10. Advanced CRM for Personalized Fan Interactions
    • Application: Use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to track fan interactions and personalize communications.
    • Example: Bayern Munich uses Salesforce’s CRM tools to understand fan preferences and deliver targeted promotions and content.

Conclusion

By strategically implementing technology like data analytics, AI, VR, and digital engagement platforms, lower-league clubs can not only improve their on-field performance but also build a strong fanbase and generate additional revenue streams. Successful cases like Brentford FC and Leicester City demonstrate the potential for transformation with these tools. Each tech solution can be tailored to a club’s specific needs, making this approach both versatile and impactful for growth.

 

[thenobster]

Genuinely interested in why you think that.

A 5th teir local football club. The current leadership generally have something to connect them to the area. Did I miss something, but he’s not got any connections to south east Essex?
I can’t see any attraction to someone based in Seattle. How many other clubs have had ‘remote’ investment and it’s not worked well? More than the Wrexham story.. just a gut feeling. I hope I’m wrong.

 

[Hawkwell Blue]

He will no doubt replace all the current stewards with Robots.. Oh Hang on.

Or the moderators of Shrimperzone, oh hang on

 

[thenobster]

it`s being so happy that keeps you going .

We can’t all be bundles of joy and wear pink lens glasses all the time

 

[Bearded Shrimper]

I don’t know Shivaas personally but I do know people who do in the PNW business community and they speak very highly of him. A very shrewd guy who won’t throw money at something just for a whim. Not surprised that this wasn’t a quick courtship.

then what good is he as a football club owner?