493: Daniel Shi and Shivaas Gulati on Using AI to Modernize the Sports Business

Live from Super Bowl Radio Row, Joe Favorito and Scott Rosner welcome Daniel Shi and Shivaas Gulati, co-founders of Arkero AI, for a conversation on how artificial intelligence is beginning to transform the business side of sports. Fresh off a $6.2M seed raise backed by investors including Alexis Ohanian and Roger Ehrenberg, the founders explain why sports remains one of the most under-software-ed industries, and how AI can finally move teams beyond email-and-Excel operations. The discussion explores Arkero’s philosophy of working backwards from real business problems, embedding with teams to improve productivity, decision-making, and revenue generation rather than selling AI for its own sake. Gulati shares insights from owning Southend United in England and how the club has become a live testing ground for AI-powered planning and operational efficiency. Shi reflects on scaling a fintech company from startup to IPO, why private equity sees massive upside in sports modernization, and how AI could allow smaller clubs to operate with the sophistication of top-tier organizations. The episode closes with a forward-looking look at how AI may reshape sports operations, fan experience, and club management over the next five years.Connect with Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielshi/Connect with Shivaas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivaas/The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com