Episode #59: Meet the Startup Gamifying Your Training Gains
Tech Optimist Podcast — Tech, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
In this episode of The Tech Optimist, host Mike Collins interviews Troy Jones Jr., co-founder and CEO of StatusPRO, about their groundbreaking VR football game, NFL Pro Era. Troy discusses how their advanced XR technology is reshaping the sports gaming landscape, enhancing fan engagement and athlete training, while highlighting key partnerships with major investors and platforms.
Episode #59: Meet the Startup Gamifying Your Training Gains
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In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, host Mike Collins speaks with Troy Jones Jr., co-founder and CEO of StatusPRO, an innovative company at the intersection of sports, gaming, and technology. Troy shares the journey of building StatusPRO, creators of the first fully licensed VR football game, NFL Pro Era. He dives into how their cutting-edge XR technology is democratizing the pro athlete experience, allowing users to step into the shoes of an NFL quarterback in a highly immersive and interactive way.
Watch Time ~26 minutes
Troy’s Ask:
Troy asks for continued investment and partnerships, inviting those excited about the XR space to connect with StatusPRO and help scale the company. He also encourages listeners to try their NFL Pro Era game on the Meta Quest, believing that firsthand experience will demonstrate the immersive power of VR sports.
The show is produced by Alumni Ventures, which has been recognized as a “Top 20 Venture Firm” by CB Insights (’24) and as the “#1 Most Active Venture Firm in the US” by Pitchbook (’22 & ’23).
READ THE FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Creators and Guests
HOST
Mike Collins
CEO at Alumni Ventures
Mike has been involved in almost every facet of venturing, from angel investing to venture capital, new business and product launches, and innovation consulting. He is currently CEO of Alumni Ventures Group, the managing company for our fund, and launched AV’s first alumni fund, Green D Ventures, where he oversaw the portfolio as Managing Partner and is now Managing Partner Emeritus. Mike is a serial entrepreneur who has started multiple companies, including Kid Galaxy, Big Idea Group (partially owned by WPP), and RDM. He began his career at VC firm TA Associates. He holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering Science from Dartmouth and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
GUEST
Troy Jones, Jr.
CEO & Co-Founder at StatusPRO
Troy Jones, Jr. is the CEO and Co-founder of StatusPRO a company that creates sports video games featuring 3D player simulations experienced through a VR headset.
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