Taught by industry expert and thought leader Shelly Palmer, this course explored the evolving intersection of media, technology, and business strategy. As the final project for a graduate-level Advanced Media Business course, PicklePal is a startup concept developed to revolutionize the fast-growing sport of pickleball through technology and community. The pitch addressed key market gaps by proposing an all-in-one mobile app featuring AI-powered training recommendations, immersive VR skill development, court locators, e-commerce integration, and real-time coaching support. With the global pickleball market projected to surpass $4 billion by 2033, PicklePal offered a scalable solution that aligned with emerging trends in sports tech and digital engagement. A detailed pitch deck and go-to-market strategy outlined monetization through subscriptions, sponsorships, and in-app purchases, with financial projections demonstrating a clear path to profitability by Year 3.

 

This solo project required cross-disciplinary thinking, blending media business modeling and user behavior analysis. I conducted market research, developed buyer personas, mapped out the competitive landscape, and crafted an investor-ready business case complete with projected KPIs and a launch roadmap. The project also explored financing strategies through angel investment and small business loans, reflecting real-world startup planning. PicklePal exemplifies how media, tech, and community can intersect to transform a recreational sport into an immersive, revenue-generating digital experience. 

Out of my entire class, PicklePal received the most "funding" and was voted the top pitch. As someone who finds joy and community in playing pickleball, I loved the opportunity to transform my passion for the game into a potentially profitable business proposal.