Too often, talented athletes go unnoticed—not because they lack ability, but because the tools used to measure that ability are outdated. In fact, 67% of athletes are misevaluated, leading to billions in missed opportunities across collegiate and professional sports.
Cory Yates, founder of Reel Analytics, set out to change that with AI athlete evaluation.
For decades, tools like stopwatches and cone drills have shaped recruiting decisions. The traditional evaluation tools haven’t evolved since the early 1900s and they don’t reflect how athletes actually perform during a game. Recognizing this disconnect and inspired by the rise of athletes like DK Metcalf, who redefined conventional standards of size and athleticism — Cory launched Reel Analytics in 2019 to bring accuracy, equity, and data-driven insight into athlete evaluation.
A Smarter Solution: AI-Powered Game Film Evaluation
Reel Analytics uses patented AI computer vision to extract athletic performance data directly from in-game footage. Their signature IN-GAME ATHLETICISM™ (IGA™) Score places athletes on a 100-point scale, offering a verified assessment of their speed, agility, and next-level potential.
This technology helps high school athletes gain visibility, improve NIL opportunities, and gives coaches the data they need to advocate for their players.
Startup Runway’s Role in the Journey
As an underrepresented founder, Cory credits programs like Startup Runway for providing the validation and access needed to grow:
“They don’t just open doors—they open minds.”
Through mentorship and pitch coaching, Startup Runway helped Reel Analytics refine its business model, pressure-test its fundraising strategy, and gain exposure to investors aligned with their mission.
Winning the pitch competition was a major milestone. It helped launch their Fastest Player Challenge, a B2C initiative that resulted in:
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A 750% increase in monthly sales
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A 6.2% conversion rate
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A 37% upsell rate
Lessons for Other Founders
Cory encourages future finalists to treat the program like a working session:
“Bring your toughest questions. Be open to feedback. Use the time to think critically about your biggest business assumptions.”
The insights Reel Analytics gained through mentoring helped them solidify their capital strategy and double down on scaling.
Looking Ahead
With $197K raised and support from BIP Ventures, Reel Analytics is preparing to launch its web app in Q4 2024. The platform will focus on high school players and families looking to verify athletic performance and improve their recruitment outcomes.
By combining technology and access, Reel Analytics is using AI athlete evaluation to help reshape what’s possible for the next generation of athletes.
