CEO: Significance of Spokenote’s deal with Pacers ‘not lost on us’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe founder and CEO of Fishers-based Spokenote says he’s excited to be the first company to work with a major professional sports team to drive fan engagement using QR codes on team jerseys.
Last week, Spokenote announced a sponsorship deal with Pacers Sports & Entertainment to put what it calls a Spokenote code, as a patch on the Indiana Pacers jerseys.
“At a game, on a broadcast, in a still picture, you can actually scan the code and gain access to behind the scenes and exclusive content,” John Wecshler said.
In an interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Wechsler said the entire goal of the partnership is centered around the fans and has generated interest around the world.
“We were looking for ways to engage the fan with unique and meaningful interactions, create an enhanced experience,” he said. “I think that’s what some of the other teams and leagues that are reaching out to us really want to pick around and explore. We’ve had some really interesting conversations…and we’re excited to see you know where those go from here.”
Spokenote was launched in 2022 and gives people the opportunity to send video messages using QR codes, primarily via stickers, note cards or even holiday gift labels.
As the startup approaches its third birthday, Wechsler said Spokenote is expected more growth this year.
“We’re right on that cusp of kind of breaking out into retail distribution, and really kind of making our product a mainstream product,” he said. “Today, we sell online at Spokenote and on Amazon, but we’re talking with major retailers about adding this not only throughout the Midwest but nationwide. And that’s the reason this partnership really makes a ton of sense for us.”
The partnership with the Pacers also includes baseline, 21-foot by 3-foot decals at each end of the basketball court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse that will display Spokenote’s logo.
Wechsler also told our partners at the IBJ when the sponsorship was announced that Pacers majority owner Herb Simon and minority owner Steven Rales have made investments in Spokenote that will close out a $4 million Series A investment round.
After less than two years in operation, Wechsler told IIB he and his team understand the magnitude of partnering with a major brand like the Pacers.
“I was talking to our team the other day about the audacity and the scrappy startup feel, and now the awesome responsibility of partnering with a brand like the Pacers…it’s not lost on us. And we’re really excited to play that role.”