ABSG

What ABSG does

ABSG (AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group), legally AquaBloom Sports Group Limited, is a privately held Hong Kong-headquartered sports innovation ecosystem platform founded in 2018, with a Beijing Operation Center opened in 2019. The company positions itself as a two-way bridge: it helps international sports technology companies enter China and broader Asian markets, and helps Chinese sports organizations, brands, and government entities access global sports IP, technology, and partnerships. Its primary customer segments are international sports technology companies seeking China/Asia market entry and Chinese sports organizations seeking global partnerships, with secondary segments in Big Health, Media/Content/Entertainment (including esports), Training & Education, and Products/Wearables. The company is led by Founder & CEO Mike Yang, who previously served on the founding team of Li-Ning North America and as a Special Product Business Consultant at NIKE.

ABSG's product surface consists of four integrated revenue streams: (1) Platform Services & Consulting — market entry support, consulting, and partnership facilitation for cross-border clients; (2) Accelerator & Program Management — most notably the ABSGxHYPE Sports Technology Virtual Accelerator (China Growth Vertical), a 2-month cohort program that selected 17 international sports tech companies out of 1,000+ global applicants in 2020; (3) Sports IP Licensing & Development — monetization of exclusive development rights held for sports IPs in China and Asia through licensing, sponsorship brokering, and content distribution; and (4) Event & Conference Services — organizing pitching competitions (Global Esports Pitching Invitational), industry forums (World 5G Convention sessions), and co-hosted summits (Sportstech China-World Series with GSIC). The underlying platform nominally integrates eight core technologies — AR/VR/XR, AI, Big Data, 5G, Robotics, Blockchain, Intelligent Manufacturing, and Biotech — across ten application scenarios, though these are described at a strategic taxonomy level rather than as deployed products.

ABSG's go-to-market is enterprise field sales, delivered through a B2B partnership-driven model with quote-based (undisclosed) pricing. The company does not build or sell its own AI/ML models, software SaaS, or hardware; it monetizes its convening power, founder network, and exclusive IP rights. Its distribution is anchored by a Hong Kong HQ and Beijing operations, supported by 16+ core strategic partners spanning Hong Kong (Cyberport), mainland China (Wanda Sports, Zhongguancun Innovation Center, Tsinghua's PBC School of Finance Sports Finance Research Center, Hong Kong New World Group, CTS, D-mind), Europe (EPSI, INDESCAT, SportBoost/LaLiga Tech, Colosseum, Wylab, WeSportUp), Latin America (Arena Hub, SportsCOLab), and the United States (HTX Sports Tech, GamePlanU). No revenue, headcount, funding rounds, or ownership data are publicly disclosed.

Name

ABSG

Legal name

AquaBloom Sports Group Limited

Website

https://absportgroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Short description

ABSG is a Hong Kong-headquartered sports innovation ecosystem platform founded in 2018 that helps international sports tech companies enter China/Asia markets and Chinese sports organizations access global partnerships. It generates revenue through consulting, accelerator programs, sports IP licensing, and industry events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Hong Kong

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Platform Services & Consulting: ABSG provides comprehensive services to both international companies entering China/Asia markets and Chinese companies expanding globally. Revenue is generated through consulting, market entry support, partnership facilitation, and project management services.
2. Accelerator & Program Management: ABSG operates accelerator programs (e.g., ABSGxHYPE Sports Technology Virtual Accelerator) selecting international sports tech companies for China growth, generating fees from program participation and investment matching.
3. Sports IP Licensing & Development: ABSG acquires exclusive development rights for sports IPs in China and Asia markets, monetizing through licensing, sponsorship brokering, and content distribution.
4. Event & Conference Services: Organizing sports technology conferences, pitching competitions (Global Esports Pitching Invitational), and industry forums (World 5G Convention sessions), generating revenue through sponsorships and participation fees.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ABSG operates a Sports Innovation Ecosystem Platform that integrates technology, capital, market access, talent, government, academic, media, IP, and strategic partner alliances to help international sports technology companies enter China and Asian markets, and assist Chinese sports organizations in expanding globally. The company delivers this through consulting, market entry support, partnership facilitation, IP licensing and development, accelerator programming (ABSGxHYPE), and event/conference services (e.g., pitching competitions, industry forums). It does not sell standalone software or hardware; its core output is professional services and ecosystem access enabled by partnerships and exclusive sports IP rights.

Product overview

ABSG (AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group) operates as a sports technology platform providing integrated services through its Sports Innovation Ecosystem Platform. The company offers comprehensive sports market services including consulting, market entry support for China/Asia markets, IP development, and partnership facilitation. The portfolio includes the ABSGxHYPE Sports Technology Virtual Accelerator program, which connects international SportsTech companies with the China market. ABSG leverages eight core technologies (AR+VR+XR, AI, Big Data, 5G, Robotics, Blockchain, Intelligent Manufacturing, Biotech) to serve key application areas including Big Health, Peak Performance, Media/Content/Entertainment, Training & Education, Web 3.0/Virtual, Products/Wearables, and Sporting Goods/Multi-brand Retail.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ABSG Sports Innovation Ecosystem Platform A comprehensive platform integrating technology, capital, market, talent, government, academic, media, IP and strategic partner alliances to create a leading Sports Innovation Ecosystem for China and the World. Targeted at enterprise-level sports organizations, technology companies, and institutional partners seeking cross-border market access and ecosystem services.
• ABSGxHYPE Sports Technology Virtual Accelerator A virtual accelerator program focused on connecting international SportsTech companies with the China market, featuring a 2-month accelerator curriculum and investment matching. The program selected 17 international SportsTech companies out of 1000+ global applications for its China Growth Vertical. Targeted at international sports tech startups seeking China market entry.
• Sports Innovation Services Comprehensive sports market services including consulting, market entry support, IP development, partnership facilitation, and cross-border integration for sports technology companies. Targeted at both international sports tech firms seeking China/Asia market entry and Chinese sports organizations seeking global partnerships.

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• GSIC (Global Sports Innovation Center)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 March 2021ABSG and GSIC jointly organized the Sportstech China-World Series on March 3, 2021, linking Chinese sports market needs with global sports technology opportunities.
• Cyberport (Hong Kong数码港)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 December 2020Cyberport is an innovative digital community managed by the Hong Kong SAR Government, gathering over 1,500 start-ups and technology companies. ABSG partnered with Cyberport to co-organize the 2020 Global Esports Pitching Invitational, connecting global esports startups with Hong Kong's sports tech ecosystem.
• Zhongguancun Innovation Center (中关村京港澳青年创新中心)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 November 2020ABSG signed strategic agreement with Zhongguancun Innovation Center on November 20, 2020, connecting with Beijing's premier technology innovation hub for cross-border sports tech collaboration.
• Wanda Sports (万达体育)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2020World's largest event operation, sports media, and marketing company. Wanda Sports is the exclusive global or Chinese business partner of FIFA, FIBA, BWF, and other international sports organizations. ABSG announced strategic partnership on November 1, 2020 for sports technology collaboration.
• Sports Finance Research Center, Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance (清华大学五道口金融学院体育金融研究中心)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2018Affiliated to Tsinghua University's PBC School of Finance, established in September 2018. The center focuses on sports economy, sports finance, and sports technology research. ABSG leverages this partnership for industry research, talent training, and sports project incubation.
• EPSI - European Platform for Sport InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEPSI is a non-profit European association based in Brussels, Belgium, focused on sport innovation and neighboring sectors. EPSI connects stakeholders across local, national, and European levels, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in sport, health, tourism, education, and space.
• Colosseum Sport (Colosseum)coreTechnology or IntegrationHeadquartered in Tel Aviv with offices in New York City, Colosseum is an international sports innovation group providing technical access and knowledge for sports organizations, startups, and companies. They have the world's largest sports technology solutions database for promoting partner technological innovation.
• 匠新 Jiangongxin (Shanghai)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerComprehensive innovation and startup acceleration platform bridging Japanese and Chinese enterprises. Founded in 2015, Jiangongxin provides innovation acceleration services as a bridge between China and Japan.
• Arena Hub (Brazil)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports industry innovation center headquartered inside Allianz Parque stadium in São Paulo, home of Palmeiras FC. Arena Hub connects professionals, startups, investors, athletes, and ecosystem companies to accelerate sports digital transformation.
• INDESCAT (Catalan Sports Industry Cluster)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpain's leading sports industry ecosystem bringing together 110+ companies and organizations. INDESCAT members have combined turnover exceeding EUR 230 million with 31,000 employees, providing resources in innovation, investment, internationalization, and talent development.
• SportBoost (Spain)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Iker Casillas, SportBoost is an international sports tech accelerator that transforms sports-related startups into industry leaders. Supported by LaLiga Tech, providing consulting, business connections, acceleration, and investment services.
• SportsCOLab (Chile)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports innovation laboratory focused on digital and cultural transformation of sports in Latin America. SportsCOLab organizes Sporttech Latam conference and contributes to sports ecosystem development in Chile and Latin America.
• Wylab (Italy)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerItaly's first sports tech incubator, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chiavari. Wylab selects, supports, and funds early-stage startups providing innovative technology and services to the sports industry, with deep connections to professional football ecosystem.
• HTX Sports Tech (Houston)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports tech advisory founded by Ashley DeWalt, Chris D. Garcia, and Nate Thompson with 40+ years of combined experience in sports industry. Based in Houston, connecting innovation community with sports and tech ecosystem decision makers.
• Haikejian/海科建 (Zhongguancun Tech Park Developer)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner20-year-old developer responsible for planning, development, construction, and operation of Zhongguancun Technology Park Northern Area. Operating innovative incubation spaces and providing tech park development expertise.
• GamePlanU (Florida, USA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlorida-based sports tech advisory providing consulting, mentorship, and funding for mid-stage sports tech and lifestyle startups. Organizes sportstech forums connecting founders with global sports tech community.
• Green Grass Project Executive Committee (绿茵工程执委会)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership established in 2019 with Green Grass Project Executive Committee for sports development initiatives.
• China Travel Service/CTS (中旅集团)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership established in 2019 with China Travel Service (CTS), one of China's largest travel and tourism groups.
• Orsun (众信旅游)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership established in 2019 with Orsun, a major Chinese tourism company.
• D-mind (奥山集团)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership established in 2019 with D-mind (Aoshan Group), a diversified conglomerate.
• Hong Kong New World Group (香港新世界集团)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership established in 2019 with Hong Kong New World Group, a major Hong Kong conglomerate.
• Hong Kong Ski Association (香港滑雪协会)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership established in 2019 for winter sports and skiing-related initiatives.
• i-Media/英迈传媒minorGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic partnership established in 2019 with i-Media (Ingram Media) for media and marketing collaboration.
• Forbes ChinacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Forbes China to co-host Sports Technology Innovation Summit as part of the Global Technology Innovation Summit, established in 2018.
• Tech Tour SportscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABSG served as China partner for Tech Tour Sports 2021 & 2022, with Founder & CEO Mike Yang serving on the Innovation Challenge Global Selection Panel.
• Poly Exhibition/保利展览coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABSG and strategic partner Poly Exhibition jointly presented International Sports Technology Forums on Smart Fitness & Health and Sports Medicine at the 2021 IFE Guangzhou International Fitness Expo.
• WeSportUp (Italy)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerABSG served as core marketing partner for WeSportUp, Italy's national sports technology accelerator, in China, supported by China Sporting Goods Federation Digital Sports Development Committee and CESA.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• HYPE Sports Innovation: HYPE is a global sports innovation platform running the HYPE Sports Accelerator that connects startups with industry partners. ABSG's ABSGxHYPE program is explicitly co-branded with HYPE, making HYPE the most directly comparable peer—same accelerator model, same sports-tech focus, same partnership-brokering role.
• Techstars Sports Tech: Techstars runs a sports-tech-focused accelerator program that mentors sports startups and connects them with industry partners and investors. Operates a similar accelerator + ecosystem model as ABSG, with comparable target customers (sports tech startups seeking commercialization support).
• Global Sports Innovation Center (GSIC): GSIC is a Madrid-based sports innovation center that connects startups, corporates, and investors across global markets. Co-organized Sportstech China-World Series with ABSG; operates a near-identical sports innovation ecosystem platform model targeting sports-tech startups and industry partners.
• SportBoost: Spain-based sports tech accelerator founded by Iker Casillas and supported by LaLiga Tech, transforming sports startups into industry leaders. ABSG is a core partner of SportBoost; both operate accelerators targeting sports tech startups with industry-partner integration.
• Colosseum Sport: International sports innovation group headquartered in Tel Aviv that maintains the world's largest sports technology solutions database and provides partnership facilitation. Listed as core ABSG partner—operates a directly comparable sports innovation ecosystem targeting sports orgs, startups, and companies.
• WeSportUp: Italy's national sports technology accelerator where ABSG served as core marketing partner in China. Operates an accelerator program for sports tech startups with industry-partner integration, comparable to ABSGxHYPE.
• European Platform for Sport Innovation (EPSI): Brussels-based non-profit European association connecting sports innovation stakeholders across local, national, and EU levels. Listed as core ABSG partner—operates a directly comparable cross-border sports innovation platform for stakeholders in sport, health, tourism, and education.
• INDESCAT (Catalan Sports Industry Cluster): Spain's leading sports industry cluster with 110+ member companies generating EUR 230M+ combined turnover. Listed as core ABSG partner—operates a directly comparable sports innovation cluster model integrating companies, talent, and internationalization resources.

Emerging players

• SportstechX: Sports technology intelligence platform providing market data, startup directories, and analytics for the global sportstech ecosystem. Complementary to ABSG's platform—serves similar sports innovation community with comparable focus on sports tech intelligence.
• 22 Ventures: Sportstech-focused investment and innovation platform that connects sports tech startups with investors, corporates, and leagues. Operates a comparable startup-investor matchmaking platform for sports tech, with global reach similar to ABSG.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/AquabloomL
• Facebookfacebook.com/ABSGSports
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aquabloom-sports-group-limited

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ABSG