5 SlamdunQ
There are two things that are surely high on Tim Cook’s list of priorities: make the Apple Watch set the world on fire, and finally crack India. Startup SlamdunQ won’t do either by itself, but buying it would help Apple make progress on both goals.
SlamdunQ makes apps to help athletes improve their technique and performance, and currently offers apps that help you tweak your golf swing and cricket throws. What will be of interest to Apple is that it makes use of the Apple Watch to measure each user’s actions, rather than relying on its own hardware product.
Buying SlamdunQ would grant Apple access to the company's impressive software and allow Apple to make it a key feature of the Watch. Apple has already shown it is keen to emphasise the sporting prowess of its wearable, for instance by teaming up with Nike to offer a special athletefocused Watch. Integrating features of SlamdunQ would add another string to the Watch’s fitness bow.
The purchase would also give Apple an important foothold in India. In MF312 we discussed how Apple’s failure to properly penetrate the Indian market could lead to it falling behind its rivals (like Samsung) who already have a sizeable presence on the subcontinent. SlamdunQ was founded in, and is based in, India.
Grand slam
While this would be a much smaller acquisition than the likes of Didi Chuxing, it makes a lot of sense. Apple regularly snaps up smaller firms whose technology aligns with Apple’s own future and current plans. SlamdunQ is a perfect match for the Apple Watch and makes use of the wearable in exactly the kind of way that Apple is keen on promoting. The firm’s relatively small size (and cheap price), and its presence in India, will only sweeten the deal.
Having won funding and accolades from Google, SlamdunQ is clearly attracting outside interest. Apple should move fast to grab this startup and integrate its tech into the Watch, before someone else does.