GRAND RAPIDS – Mock Draft Central, a Grand Rapids-based web site that is capitalizing on the growing fantasy sports craze, became the latest investment for the Grand Angels. The dollar amount was not disclosed.
Founded in 2002 by company president Jason Pliml, Mock Draft Central providers fantasy sports drafting technology that lets subscribers assemble fantasy sports teams of real-life sports players. Subscribers can set up private drafts with friends or compete against other Mock Draft Central subscribers. Statistical reports are created from the compilation of mock drafts. These statistics are widely distributed throughout the fantasy industry and have become a common feature in fantasy sports publications.
“I’m very pleased with our partnership with the Grand Angels,” Pliml said. “The Angels have been very supportive and continually provide me with valuable advice, allowing me to grow the company from a successful startup to a key player in the industry.”
In addition to subscription-based services, Mock Draft Central also licenses their drafting technology to companies looking to compete with the top players in the industry on quality, features, and user experience. The cost of developing basic drafting functionality represents 40-50 percent of the overall cost of product development for a fantasy sports game company. By licensing the premium drafting product, licensees get a proven product and the right to use Mock Draft Central’s patented technology for a fraction of the cost of trying to build from scratch. Since the technology supports all sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and college or other niche sports, licensing is an excellent option for international companies as well as domestic brands.
“Jason Pliml is the kind of creative entrepreneur that, as he builds his future here, is helping build the future West Michigan economy for us all,” said Craig Hall, Grand Angel Founder and Mock Draft Central investor. “He has the kind of drive, vision and values that Grand Angels is proud to support. It will be exciting to see Mock Draft Central continue to develop within this evolving sports business model.”
The Grand Angels was convened in January of 2004 by former Grand Bank Founder and CEO Chuck Stoddard. Membership has grown from eight founders to over forty members. The Grand Angels are one of four Angel networks that have formed across the State of Michigan.
