Upside connects performance staff, technology companies and investors. We advise teams, invest in sports-tech startups, run an AI assistant for technology decisions and bring the industry together at our events.
20,000sports executives in the Upside network.
60teams we work with closely, across these leagues and sports:
Upside was founded by Julien Blin, a sports technology thought leader, entrepreneur and Venture Partner at Ola Capital. He previously held positions at Samsung, Google and Zebra Technologies, where he helped launch flagship products including Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets, Zebra handheld devices and AI-powered solutions. He also served as an industry analyst at IDC and worked in equity research at Wedbush Morgan Securities.
Over the past 10 years, Julien has advised numerous sports technology startups, helping them accelerate growth, build go-to-market strategies and gain traction with elite teams across the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS, NCAA, European soccer and international rugby.
Upside helps professional sports organizations discover, evaluate and adopt innovative technologies (AI, wearables, biomechanics, performance analytics, recovery and rehabilitation). It connects the ecosystem through its AI-powered technology scouting platform, industry research, VIP events, technology summits and podcasts with leading practitioners.
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Upside works with 60 top teams across the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLS, MLB, the Premier League, Ligue 1, professional rugby and tennis academies, and with the startups building their tools.
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KINMETRIXDigital neck-strength assessment and training. Upside set up pilots, put the CEO on stage at the NFL Combine and the Upside Summit, and introduced the team to investors.
Pilots set up through Upside
Precision-fit, 3D-printed footwear for movement and recovery. Upside connected FITASY with medical practitioners across the NBA, MLS, NHL, WWE and NCAA.
Read Kevin’s testimonial ↓KINMETRIX“Working with Julien and Upside Global in 2024 was instrumental in helping us introduce the Kinmetrix Arc to the sporting world. They connected us with professional teams, strength and conditioning experts, and athletic trainers, and opened doors to sporting events and opportunities we otherwise would not have had access to.
Those introductions became meaningful relationships and helped build the network we continue to rely on today as we commercialize our device. We would not have the reach and access within the sports industry that we have now without their support.
We attribute a significant part of our current success to the foundation Julien and Upside Global helped us establish. Their connections, guidance, and belief in our technology have made a lasting impact on our business.”
Kevin WuCo-Founder and Chief Business Officer, FITASY“Working with Julien and Upside Global has been nothing short of exceptional. Julien possesses an extraordinary network across the professional sports industry, but what truly sets him apart is his genuine passion for helping innovative companies succeed.
As an emerging footwear technology company, gaining access to professional sports organizations can be incredibly challenging. Julien opened doors for FITASY that would otherwise have taken years to unlock, connecting us directly with medical practitioners across the NBA, MLS, NHL, WWE, and NCAA.
What makes Julien particularly special is that he goes far beyond making introductions. He takes the time to understand our technology, believes in our vision, and actively champions our success by looking to help us scale commercially. His credibility, industry expertise, and generosity have made him an invaluable strategic partner.”
Julien Blin is a Venture Partner at Ola Capital.
Ask a question in plain language and get a sourced answer in seconds, drawn from 500 top performance technology products and companies and from Upside Chat, our podcast with the people who use them.
Performance staff compare products in the assistant. Send us your documentation and pricing; we check them with you before they appear in answers.
Ask to be listed →Coming soon. A label for companies with a product on the market, an established customer base and scientific evidence where the product calls for it, each checked by Upside.
Apply for the label →Ten startups present to pro soccer performance staff in Atlanta on December 18, by invitation. Eight pitch to investors at the New York dinner in 2027.
See the events →Need help with go-to-market? Book some time with Julien →
December 18, 2026, in Atlanta, during the PSPA Conference. Performance and medical leaders from North American pro soccer, men's and women's, with selected startups presenting. By invitation only.
A private club in New York City. Investors, team owners and founders. Date to be announced.
Paris. Venue and programme to be announced.
In the US and in Asia. Dates to come.
