Celebrity-led sports social network raises $1.5m angel investment for initial launch
British mobile technology entrepreneur, Barry Houlihan, previously founder and CEO of Mobile Interactive Group (MIG), has announced he and his MIG team are set to launch a new mobile sports social network led by celebrities.
BreatheSport, the new free mobile platform, will bring live celebrity response to sports breaking news and live sports events.
Already BreatheSport has raised $1.5 million from the previous MIG backers.
The BreatheSport platform is designed specifically for mobile with the core purpose being involvement in live debate wherever the user may be regardless of mobile device or operating system.
It is structured around three key interfaces: the Locker Room; the Fan Zone; and the Live Lounge. The user will be able to witness first hand debate amongst sporting stars and engage in the debate with fellow fans or celebrities according to their achieved level of access.
Additionally, each fan will earn their right to interact directly with celebrities through a rewards scheme. BreatheSport will use the latest mobile loyalty techniques to enrich fans' and sports celebrities' user experience.
The platform is currently in beta and will be launching to the general public later in 2014 on all mobile platforms.
BreatheSport expects to have 200 sporting personalities signed up for its official UK launch later this year, including today's, tomorrow's and yesterday's stars, both able-bodied and para-athletes. Over 100 names have already signed up and include some of the biggest names in sport, the company stated.
Houlihan is joined by Luke Sutton of Activate Management as co-founder, and Anthony Nelson, former co-founder of MIG. Nelson and Sutton are joined by a heavyweight advisory team including Marc Marot, chairman of Crown Talent, Tim Brooks MD Guardian News & Media, and Peter Reid, former England football star and regular pundit.
The company plans a rapid global roll out deploying regional versions in as many key markets as possible.
MIG and its subsidiaries (including 4th screen advertising) were previously sold for $75 million on an initial funding of $500,000.
