Nike+ Accelerator: 10 Companies Bringing Health and Fitness to a New Level

NIKE announced this week that they’ve chosen 10 companies to participate in its Nike+ Accelerator program, co-facilitated with startup accelerator, TechStars. Nike filtered through hundreds of applications to create the following list:

• FitDeck: Digital decks of exercise playing cards that deliver ever-changing workouts for fitness and sports.
• GoRecess: Helps users find, book and review fitness activities.
• Chroma.io: An indie game studio that creates virtual worlds tied to real-world activity.
• CoachBase: Provides a digital sports coaching platform.
• FitCause: Leverages fitness data as a means of raising money for charities.
• HighFive: Ad network for health and fitness apps that helps people achieve their goals by rewarding them along their journey.
• Sprout At Work: Provider of corporate wellness solutions leveraging social and gamification tools to inspire employees and empower employers.
• GeoPalz: An interactive gaming and rewards platform for kids and families.
• Incomparable Things: Creates activity-driven fantasy sports leagues.
• RecBob: Offers a platform that makes recreational sports easy by organizing play.

These companies will present their businesses at two investor Demo Days in June (one at the Nike World Headquarters and one in Silicon Valley) and I look forward to seeing their progress these next three months.

Lift: Set, Reach and Share Healthy Goals

Lift is a mobile app that consolidates your goals, reminds you to reach them, and shares your successes with friends. The application is simple and easy to use, which makes adoption of the app quick and efficient. Getting simple reminders – stretch for 5 minutes at 3PM or clean the house for 15 minutes twice a week – works surprisingly well. For those looking to form some healthy habits, this is an easy way to get started.

Goalpost: The Social Way to Quit Smoking

Goalpost is an online solution that brings a social aspect to quitting smoking. As the site says, “Research has shown people are much more likely to quit with the help of their friends and family.” You can invite friends to help support you through Facebook and/or email, plus there is an online community ready to keep you motivated.

When you sign up, you can enter a “Quit Date” which will show up on your website interface and you can also create challenges and goals for your friends.