What's Happening?
Peripheral Labs, a Canada-based startup founded by Kelvin Cui and Mustafa Khan, is leveraging technology from self-driving cars to enhance the sports viewing experience through volumetric video generation. This technology allows fans to view sports from multiple angles, creating an immersive experience akin to being inside a video game. The company aims to make this technology accessible to sports leagues and broadcasters by reducing the number of cameras needed from over 100 to as few as 32, thereby lowering costs and operational overhead. The founders, who have backgrounds in autonomous vehicle technology, are applying their expertise in robotics perception and 3D vision to develop a platform that provides biomechanical data and stats for players
and teams. Peripheral Labs has raised $3.6 million in seed funding led by Khosla Ventures and is in discussions with several North American sports teams and leagues.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of volumetric video technology in sports could significantly alter how fans engage with live events, potentially reversing the decline in viewership among younger audiences like Gen Z. By offering a more interactive and personalized viewing experience, sports leagues and broadcasters can attract and retain a broader audience. This innovation not only enhances fan engagement but also provides teams and coaches with valuable data on player performance and biomechanics, which could influence training and strategy. The successful implementation of this technology could set a new standard in sports broadcasting, offering a competitive edge to leagues and broadcasters that adopt it early.
What's Next?
Peripheral Labs plans to expand its team and focus on further developing its platform and hardware to reduce costs and improve system performance. The company is currently in talks with various sports teams and leagues in North America to implement its technology. As the startup continues to refine its offering, it may announce partnerships with major sports organizations, potentially leading to widespread adoption of volumetric video technology in sports broadcasting. The success of these initiatives could encourage other startups and tech companies to explore similar innovations in the sports and entertainment sectors.
