In a significant move for the golf technology sector, Bryson DeChambeau is at the helm of a group acquiring Sportsbox AI, a startup known for its innovative use of AI and 3D motion capture to analyze golf swings. The financial value of the transaction is reported to be in the eight figures.
On Tuesday, the company also introduced SAMI, an AI coaching assistant powered by Google Cloud, aimed at providing personalized coaching through swing data analysis. DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open champion, has previously utilized Sportsbox AI to enhance his game and now plans to showcase the Google Cloud logo on his golf bag during the upcoming Masters, marking a notable first for the brand in professional golf.
Co-founders Jeehae Lee and Samuel Menaker will continue to lead the company, which has raised over $9 million and was valued at $41 million in its last funding round. The acquisition sees 19 sellers exiting, including notable figures such as Michelle Wie West and Randi Zuckerberg. The startup will retain its headquarters in Bellevue and maintain its current workforce of around 30 employees.