Sports law specialist Northridge Law has joined the growing trend of firms setting up ‘innovation hubs’ to nurture on new technology, this time offering a ‘virtual hub’ for tech companies active in the sports industry.

The firm said its service, called Northridge Track, would bring ‘cutting edge companies’ together with Northridge Law’s clients and team.

Unlike other similar offerings from City firms in the past few years the latest offering does not appear to focus primarily on ‘lawtech’ solutions. Five companies, including an AI-powered sports analytics company and another that provides GPS tracking and performance software to sports teams, took part in the pilot scheme.

Jon Walters, founding partner of Northridge, said: ‘The sports and entertainment industries are becoming increasingly driven by technology – on the pitch, in commercial deals and to engage with fans. We recognise the challenges for high-potential technology companies seeking to stand out and grow within this competitive industry. Northridge Track has been designed to support the very best tech companies in this sector, built on an underlying proposition of first class legal advice.’

According to the firm, it will give hub members ’on-going, premium support’ and access to ’key decision makers, teams, governing bodies, agencies, sponsors and investors operating within that sector’.

Other firms to have set up technology incubators include Mishcon de Reya, Dentons and Allen & Overy. Mishcon’s MDR LAB – an incubator programme for tech start-ups is into its third year while Fuse – the innovation space run by magic circle firm Allen & Overy – was launched in 2017. Dentons also runs its own tech hub called Nextlaw Ventures.

Another lawtech offering, Barclays’ Eagle Labs, was set up last year and is supported by the Law Society.