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W Ventures, a venture capital and accelerator company, announced the addition of Aviv to its growing portfolio.
The Baltimore-based sports innovation and apparel company developed the first-ever moisture wicking and antimicrobial basketball net. Traditional basketball nets have not changed in over 130 years, though the game itself has evolved significantly during that time.
With the new Aviv Net, players no longer need to handle a gross and slippery ball, enabling them to play smarter, safer and better. A major performance issue for players has always been handling or shooting a ball that is slippery. Now, during these dangerous Covid times, the new Aviv Net gives coaches, facilities and leagues a way to better ensure the health and safety of athletes, while ensuring they can perform at their peak.
Founded by Tamir Goodman, a former professional basketball player, entrepreneur, coach, educator and innovator, the Aviv Net employs patent pending technology that dramatically dries the ball from sweat and cleans bacteria from the ball’s surface every time the ball goes through the hoop. This means players will have a decreased risk of coming in contact with harmful bacteria and be able to play with a far less slippery ball than usual, ultimately improving ball handling and shooting.
NBA teams, Euro League teams and Division I college basketball programs are currently beta-testing the nets and was used in its first professional basketball game during the FIBA Basketball Champions League game between Turkey and Jerusalem Oct. 5.
W Ventures accepts applications from startup founders on a rolling basis. Portfolio companies receive access to its network of angel and VC investors, as well as business and subject matter experts who can assist in refining every aspect of their offerings. The company provides either cash investments and/or marketing communications services in exchange for equity and offers beautiful office space and living quarters for executives. Additionally, W Ventures often works with its extensive network to share investment opportunities with other potential investors and to engage expert feedback on potential investments.
