Arsenal FC link with Manchester AI startup in new innovation programme

Data analytics firm Peak has announced it is working with Arsenal as part of the club’s new innovation programme.

From today (January 16), Arsenal Innovation Lab will see Manchester-based Peak and five other startups help the club identify new opportunities and develop groundbreaking fan experiences.

Peak will spend the next 10 weeks working closely with members of Arsenal’s senior leadership team to showcase the value of its artificial intelligence-as-a-service model and machine learning technologies.

The Innovation Lab was revealed in September last year and went on to receive more than 250 applications. Peak was one of 22 finalists invited to pitch ideas to a panel of judges in November.

Peak’s COO, co-founder David Leitch, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Arsenal Football Club as part of this exciting new Arsenal Innovation Lab programme.

“Following our successful pitch last year, we’re now looking forward to helping the club get more value from their data in a bid to allow them to accelerate growth and deliver more success both on and off the pitch.”

Vinaj Venkatesham, CCO of Arsenal FC, commented: “We are really looking forward to working with these six exciting startups over the next 10 weeks and hopefully beyond. Innovation has always been at the heart of the club since its formation in 1886.

“Our aim is to create better experiences for our supporters all around the world, from retail experiences to digital content. We are looking forward to taking this next step in the Arsenal Innovation Lab and developing these pioneering ideas to take the club forward.”