Racing On The Web
San Diego Metropolitan Uptown Examiner & Daily Business Report Volume 15/Number 3 December, 1999
A superman outfit might be more fitting than Mitch Thrower’s gray fleece and running shoes as he talks about his accomplishments.
Billing itself as the Internet’s largest recreational sports portal, ActiveUSA.com offer online registration to athletes for 300 to 1,000 nationwide events, charging a convenience fee for each. "I found myself buying books, running shoes and Broadway show tickets online," Thrower says, and "filling out the Ironman registration form by hand. It stood out as a real waste of time, and I know that athletes will pay premium to save time."
In addition to quick transactions, the site teams with sports magazines, such as Runner's World. Swim and Triathlete, and provides up-to-date information and heart rate and speed calculations.
Partnerships have led to the company's growth and success. Enterprise Partners, a San Diego venture capital firm, recognized the potential of RaceGate.com and provided $5 million in early funding. "The firm offers unique research and teamwork, and has funded over 100 different companies," says Thrower.
Even before initial funding, partnership was key, says Thrower. Scott Kyle, co-founder and CFO, helped speed RaceGate.com from an idea to reality. "We identified the need to bring race directors and athletes together," Kyle says. "It was perfect timing and employed the latest trend in technology."
Kyle and Thrower met six years ago, sharing the same swimming lane. "Our company really is our lifestyle," says Kyle. "Negotiating with Enterprise Partners still took place even though I was half a world away for Ironman Australia." "The business model is built around dreams and personal goals," says Thrower. "It is the perfect outlet for achieving these goals and sharing wonderful experiences, and that is exactly why I love what I do."
A superman outfit might be more fitting than Mitch Thrower’s gray fleece and running shoes as he talks about his accomplishments.
- In high school he became the No. 1 ranked lacrosse goalie in Connecticut.
- At Saint Lawrence University he led the debate team to two world championships.
- In a cramped dorm room he launched his first small business, The College Connection, a venture that grew to $1.5 million in sales within six months.
Billing itself as the Internet’s largest recreational sports portal, ActiveUSA.com offer online registration to athletes for 300 to 1,000 nationwide events, charging a convenience fee for each. "I found myself buying books, running shoes and Broadway show tickets online," Thrower says, and "filling out the Ironman registration form by hand. It stood out as a real waste of time, and I know that athletes will pay premium to save time."
In addition to quick transactions, the site teams with sports magazines, such as Runner's World. Swim and Triathlete, and provides up-to-date information and heart rate and speed calculations.
Partnerships have led to the company's growth and success. Enterprise Partners, a San Diego venture capital firm, recognized the potential of RaceGate.com and provided $5 million in early funding. "The firm offers unique research and teamwork, and has funded over 100 different companies," says Thrower.
Even before initial funding, partnership was key, says Thrower. Scott Kyle, co-founder and CFO, helped speed RaceGate.com from an idea to reality. "We identified the need to bring race directors and athletes together," Kyle says. "It was perfect timing and employed the latest trend in technology."
Kyle and Thrower met six years ago, sharing the same swimming lane. "Our company really is our lifestyle," says Kyle. "Negotiating with Enterprise Partners still took place even though I was half a world away for Ironman Australia." "The business model is built around dreams and personal goals," says Thrower. "It is the perfect outlet for achieving these goals and sharing wonderful experiences, and that is exactly why I love what I do."