So you’ve conquered the finance world — built pitch decks sharper than a referee’s whistle and calculated returns faster than a Formula 1 pit stop. You probably think, “Hey, if I can model a billion-dollar portfolio, how hard can starting a sports-tech company be?”
Adorable.
The truth? Trading Excel for ex-athletes, investors, and developers feels less like a career move and more like a halftime show gone rogue. But don’t worry — this is your playbook for surviving the pivot from finance wizard to sports-tech founder without spontaneously combusting from stress or buzzwords.
The “I’m Definitely Qualified” Phase
You’ve decided to pivot. You stride into your first sports-tech networking event dressed like it’s earnings season — blazer, watch, confidence bordering on delusion. You introduce yourself to a developer in sneakers and a hoodie, and they ask, “So… what sport do you play?”
