Chen M. Shachar, Co-Founder of PlaySight: “Video technology has become integral to high-performance training”

What if you, a club sports player, could access the same level of tools and insights as a professional player? Then multiply that out: what if you’re a coach or the owner of a sports facility? It’s this opportunity that drives Chen M. Shachar, Co-Founder of PlaySight.

It isn’t just about analytics. Head to PlaySight’s website and you’ll see the kind of high-definition footage you’re used to from broadcast TV, but here the action is taking place at local tennis courts and sporting arenas.

“What excites me the most is how our technology elevates the entire training and playing experience,” Chen told us, who discovered his love for sports tech later than many in this field – his background is in security, and he holds an ME in System Engineering and a BSc in Electrical Engineering.

And now he, and PlaySight, has big ambitions. “Our goal is to transform all sports facilities into Smart Facilities,” Chen said. And, he emphasises, “without compromising on quality”.

Find out more about Chen and PlaySight’s sports tech below.

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Tell us your elevator pitch

Playsight is revolutionising the sports industry by transforming analogue courts into AI smart courts and taking both entertainment and performance to the next level.

What is it about sports tech that excites you? What made you get into this sector?

As an engineer with experience in developing high-end video and image processing solutions for the military and homeland security markets, I found my passion for sports and technology intersecting in the field of sports tech. What excites me the most is how our technology elevates the entire training and playing experience. Enhancing both entertainment and performance makes sports more enjoyable, professional, and accessible to a wider audience and attracts more people to practice sports.

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What sports does your tech apply to? And have you been surprised by its use?

Our technology is versatile and applicable to all sports with a specific focus on racquet sports, basketball, baseball and ice hockey. What has truly surprised us is the exponential growth of emerging sports like Pickleball and Padel.

Can you give an example of a complex problem in sports that you – or your company – have been involved in tackling with technology?

PlaySight’s mission is the democratisation of sports technology. We aim to make high-end AI video capabilities and technologies, previously accessible only to elite athletes, available to all sports at every level. Our goal is to transform all sports facilities into Smart Facilities. To achieve this vision, we’ve developed technology that is remarkably user-friendly, easy to set up, and affordable — without compromising on quality.

Related reading: Tom Marley, CEO of Played: “In 2024, it is still too hard for people to start playing sports”

What is an example of a club or team improving their performance through technology that you find particularly interesting? And why?

Video technology has become integral to high-performance training across various sports. Our technology has empowered hundreds of clubs and teams, including NBA, MLB and NHL teams, as well as numerous collegiate programs, high school teams and high-performance players.

What are some examples of AI being used in sports that stand out to you?

AI technology has become ubiquitous in the world of sports, addressing a wide range of needs. From automated production — enabling live broadcasts without the need for cameramen — to training, where it provides automated statistics, tagging, and analytics for player development. Additionally, AI generates automated match highlights for entertainment and engagement on social media platforms. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in providing officiating tools for referees

Quick round

Do you consider esports as part of your remit? If so, why?

While esports is experiencing significant growth, we recognise its potential for our technology. However, our deliberate focus remains exclusively on traditional sports.

How do you stay up to date on the latest technology developments in sports?

My primary sources of learning and staying informed include reading online articles and attending sports tech conventions.

What do you believe is the biggest opportunity in sports tech right now?

We believe the emerging sports of pickleball and padel are the biggest opportunities in sports tech right now.

What advice do you have for those wanting to start a career in sports tech, or those wanting to launch a startup in the space?

Follow your heart!