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EL CLASICO OF START-UPS: REAL MADRID VS. FC BARCELONA IN INNOVATION.

Writer's picture: Roger HampelRoger Hampel

Roger Hampel

INNOVATION START-UPS REAL MADRID FC BARCELONA
INNOVATION START-UPS REAL MADRID FC BARCELONA

El Clasico isn’t just a battle on the field - Real Madrid C.F. and FC Barcelona are rivals in innovation, too. Both clubs are heavily investing in start-ups, shaping the future of sports through cutting-edge technology, health initiatives, and fan engagement solutions. This article compares their distinct approaches.


Real Madrid | Real Madrid Next and Grymes Invest


Real Madrid employs two primary initiatives to drive its innovation strategy: Real Madrid Next, a platform dedicated to tech integration within the club, and Grymes Invest, a financial fund focused on broader start-up investment in sports-related sectors.


Real Madrid Next: Operational Integration INNOVATION START-UPS REAL MADRID FC BARCELONA


Real Madrid Next serves as the club’s innovation platform, collaborating with start-ups in sports tech, cybersecurity, and fan engagement. Through the Real Madrid Next Accelerator for Asia, a partnership with Creww Inc., the club is exploring start-ups aligned with six key areas, including performance and health tech. Noteworthy start-ups supported by Real Madrid Next include:


  • Moty: A South Korean platform providing performance-tracking solutions for athletes.


  • Fitogether: Another South Korean start-up, Fitogether offers wearable tech to monitor and enhance grassroots sports analytics.


  • AMATELUS: Based in Japan, this company enhances fan engagement through interactive video experiences.


  • Spot: A Taiwanese fan engagement platform that fosters interactive communities.


  • Adofaer: From Hong Kong, Adofaer specializes in loyalty programs and community-centric engagement solutions.


  • QueryPie: A South Korean cybersecurity firm focused on secure data management.


  • a11y: A Philippine-based media company.


Each of these start-ups aligns with Real Madrid Next’s objectives, leveraging advanced technology to enhance club operations and fan experiences. INNOVATION START-UPS REAL MADRID FC BARCELONA


Grymes Invest: Financial Backing


In 2021, Real Madrid established Grymes Invest, a €4.5 million fund aimed at financing approximately 30 start-ups, focusing on businesses with revenue potential in sports tech and related sectors. Unlike Real Madrid Next, which integrates technology directly into the club’s ecosystem, Grymes Invest operates primarily as a financial investment arm, partially supported by the European Commission’s innovation program. Its mission is to identify promising start-ups that may not be directly involved with the club but hold significant value in the sports industry.


FC Barcelona | Barça Innovation Hub (BIHUB) INNOVATION START-UPS REAL MADRID FC BARCELONA

Unlike Real Madrid’s two-pronged approach, FC Barcelona channels its innovation and start-up investments through a single comprehensive platform: the Barça Innovation Hub (BIHUB). BIHUB supports initiatives in health, performance, and accessibility, allowing FC Barcelona to engage deeply with start-ups across these areas.


BIHUB’s Start-Up Portfolio


BIHUB has developed an impressive portfolio of start-ups that align with FC Barcelona’s goals of enhancing health, accessibility, and sports performance:


  • Rimbarlat: This biotech firm focuses on muscle regeneration therapies, with potential to reduce recovery times by up to 50%.


  • OLIVER: A wearable technology company offering performance analytics, particularly useful in grassroots sports.


  • Onalabs: Specializing in sweat analysis, Onalabs provides real-time biometric data on hydration and metabolic levels.


  • CeleBreak: This platform connects amateur footballers, enabling local pick-up games and fostering community.


  • Made of Genes: A company specializing in personalized health solutions, using genetic data to optimize athlete health.


  • Fyxbody: Focusing on training and recovery, Fyxbody tailors plans for optimal athlete performance.


  • Visualfy: Provides tools to improve the event experience for fans.


Innovation Strategies Compared


Real Madrid’s strategy combines Real Madrid Next for operational tech integration with Grymes Invest for financial investment, creating a balanced approach that targets both internal improvement and broader industry impact. FC Barcelona, however, utilizes BIHUB as a single platform for both integration and investment, prioritizing comprehensive support in health tech and fan engagement.

In this El Clasico of innovation, both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are advancing the future of sports. Their start-up investments not only enhance player and fan experiences but also set new standards in sports technology and engagement, further proving that this rivalry extends far beyond the field.

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