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The Tech Trends Driving SMB Innovation in 2025

In 2025, SMBs aren’t surviving, they’re thriving with the latest in tech. Copy HTML Copy text Long gone are the days when cutting-edge technology was only accessible to the enterprise sector. SMBs can now evolve faster than ever by adopting technologies and tactics that were once exclusive to enterprises. If you’re a small business owner or in […]

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In 2025, SMBs aren’t surviving, they’re thriving with the latest in tech. Copy HTML Copy text

Long gone are the days when cutting-edge technology was only accessible to the enterprise sector. SMBs can now evolve faster than ever by adopting technologies and tactics that were once exclusive to enterprises. If you’re a small business owner or in charge of tech decisions, it’s time to start considering how your company can gain a competitive edge from the following tech trends.

AI and Automation: The Power of Efficiency

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are no longer concepts of the future, as small to medium-sized businesses can use AI today. Companies across the board deploy AI as a means to streamline operations, improve customer service, and hone their marketing efforts. Using AI-driven tools, SMBs can automate everyday tasks, such as scheduling social media posts, responding to customer inquiries, and creating content.

By deploying those tools, companies are saving time on lengthy processes and allowing their teams to focus on the more strategic endeavors. In a recently released survey, 63% of SMBs are currently leveraging AI to make their operations more efficient, and companies utilizing these platforms see a noticeable increase in overall productivity and cost reductions.

Cloud Computing: Access and Collaboration Anytime, Anywhere

While cloud computing is a few years old, small and midsized businesses are turning to the technology to modernize their data storage systems and project management tools. Cloud computing platforms put customer data and software services online so they can be accessed from anywhere, which enables remote work and virtual collaboration. That cloud connection is more valuable than ever for 2025, given that a hybrid work model is expected to be the norm.

Further, the technology allows businesses to sidestep expensive IT equipment and license purchases altogether. Rather than hosting servers and software in-house, small and midsized businesses can pay a cloud provider for storage, security, and data processing.

That eliminates the need for a business to hire IT staff or software developers to keep the system up and running. A survey of small and mid-sized businesses revealed that 74% planned to invest in cloud computing services on a larger scale by 2025 because they led to more collaboration and increased agility.

The Future of SMBs in 2025

Small and medium-sized businesses have eagerly adopted new technologies. Whether AI, cloud, or analytics, these trends are changing how companies work and connect with customers. Thanks to the right tech, companies can also become more nimble, productive, and competitive.

To keep up with the ever-changing market, small and mid-sized companies must strive to keep innovating and adopting new technology. Those that do will be the biggest winners in 2025 and beyond. By jumping on these trends, SMBs can create new avenues for growth and revenue, as well as better experiences for customers and long-term success.

Small and mid-sized companies must adapt and innovate to continue to build on successes. And according to a recent survey, businesses that invest in these technologies will increase operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and growth. Hence, these tech trends will keep your company nimble and competitive.



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NFHS tightens rules on technology use in high school softball

Mark SheltonDodge City Globe As wearable technology and live streaming become increasingly common across all levels of sports, the National Federation of State High School… Previous Post State basketball sites, format set for ‘26, ‘27 Next Post MLB plans to use robot umpire challenge system in All-Star Game next week Link 0

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Mark SheltonDodge City Globe As wearable technology and live streaming become increasingly common across all levels of sports, the National Federation of State High School…



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Tech hitting the pitch again at MLS All-Star Week

May you have a glorious summertime Friday. And now we pivot to the return of the Future of the Game Showcase for the MLS, which will feature many sports tech startups (and a couple of SBJ 10 Most Innovative Sports Tech Companies). — Ethan Joyce In today’s edition of Power Up: Future of the Game […]

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May you have a glorious summertime Friday.

And now we pivot to the return of the Future of the Game Showcase for the MLS, which will feature many sports tech startups (and a couple of SBJ 10 Most Innovative Sports Tech Companies). — Ethan Joyce

In today’s edition of Power Up:

  • Future of the Game Showcase returns at MLS All-Star Game
  • LiveLike secures $3.5M growth credit facility from Bigfoot Capital
  • WMT Digital revitalizes app for WNBA’s Storm
The MLS Future of the Game Showcase returns with new tech startups and demos at the All-Star Game.
The MLS Future of the Game Showcase returns with new tech startups and demos at the All-Star Game. Courtesy of MLS

MLS will again hold its Future of the Game Showcase during All-Star Week this summer, hosting technology demos on July 22 and 23 at Q2 Stadium. The showcase debuted last year and is a tentpole of the league’s ongoing tech-forward strategy.

Of the eight companies scheduled to participate, six are startups who took part in either the first or second cohort of the MLS Innovation Lab, the league’s incubation program to pilot emerging tech products.

The MLS Next All-Star contest will feature three pieces of technology, with data on the pitch transmitted in real-time to the showcase. No single player will wear more than one, but groups of players will have:

  • Oliver Sports soccer-specific GPS trackers.
  • Soccerment smart shin guards providing performance data.
  • Lubu Technologies smart insoles to track ground forces and movement.

Also participating will be:

  • Edge Sound Research: Live immersive sound product.
  • Wicket: Facial recognition technology.
  • Camb.ai: AI translation of the match in multiple languages.
  • Sportec Solutions: MLS data partner to demo its AI Live Ticker and Data Story Finder with storytelling and visualizations for fan engagement.
  • OneCourt: Tactile tablet helping blind and low vision fans track the game through vibrations.

Fan engagement technology platform LiveLike has secured a $3.5M credit facility from Bigfoot Capital as it eyes its next phase of growth. LiveLike CEO Miheer Walavalkar called the capital infusion an “endorsement of the long-term vision” of the business in a note to SBJ, adding it will be channeled towards supporting international clients, growing the company’s staff in key markets and investing in innovation for partners.

“We’re especially focused on scaling our AI-powered engagement tools that help clients deepen fan interaction in more dynamic and intelligent ways,” Walavalkar said. “These tools are already delivering significant efficiencies across live sports and entertainment platforms, and we believe they’ll be foundational to the next era of fan-first experiences.”

LiveLike’s sports-focused services include rewards programs and interactive livestream add-ons, among other offerings. The company now has 40 clients, with nearly half of those international.

WMT Digital Seattle Storm app screenshot
The new Seattle Storm app, developed by WMT Digital, has streamlined the digital fan experience in many ways, like an in-app capability to cast WNBA All-Star Game votes for Storm players. WMT Digital

The Storm have named WMT Digital as the developer of its recently overhauled app, giving the technology firm its first WNBA client and further expanding its pro sports footprint.

The new Storm app includes streamlined ticketing deployment thanks to an integration with Ticketmaster, as well as integrations with the WNBA data feeds for up-to-date access to news, schedules and rosters. The overall enhancements went live for fans ahead of the WNBA regular season in May and was built in a three-month window after reaching an agreement on the project in February.

Storm CMO Will Gulley picked WMT as their new app developer because the company could quickly fix essential user experiences like ticketing management. The startup was also willing to work out unique solutions, like folding in augmented reality experiences and a pregame light show that incorporates attendees’ phones via fan experience company Cue Audio. “We needed somebody that could grow with us,” Gulley told SBJ.

WMT’s initial foundation started in the college space, but the company has built out more of a pro sports footprint. The Storm join WMT clients Player 15 Group, Rock Entertainment Group and the Mets, among others. WMT works with 40% of schools in the Power Four conferences. WMT founder & CEO Andres Focil was also named to SBJ’s most recent Forty Under 40 class.



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Amazfit’s great Active 2 fitness tracker is just $79.99 for Prime Day

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that doesn’t skimp on features, the Amazfit Active 2 is one of the best Prime Day deals you’ll find. Normally $99.99, it was already a great deal in and of itself, but right now it’s practically a steal starting at $79.99 ($20 off) directly from Amazfit and Amazon, […]

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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that doesn’t skimp on features, the Amazfit Active 2 is one of the best Prime Day deals you’ll find. Normally $99.99, it was already a great deal in and of itself, but right now it’s practically a steal starting at $79.99 ($20 off) directly from Amazfit and Amazon, which is a new low price.

Unlike most budget smartwatches, the Active 2 actually looks and feels premium with its stainless steel case and tempered glass. For an additional $50, you can upgrade to a version with sapphire crystal and an extra leather strap. During testing, my colleague Victoria Song says she received compliments, something she rarely gets for a budget smartwatch.

The platform-agnostic watch also offers a number of health and fitness tracking features that are rare to find at this price point, which is why it’s one of our favorite wearables. It covers all the basics and then some, ranging from continuous heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen rate to daily readiness scores and detailed sleep tracking. It also supports over 160 activity modes and boasts offline maps with turn-by-turn directions, while providing access to all five major GNSS satellite systems for more accurate location tracking (though not dual-frequency GPS).

What also sets the Active 2 apart is its suite of AI tools. The on-device Zepp Flow assistant lets you control settings and ask simple questions, while the optional Zepp Aura AI chatbot ($77 per year) provides personalized insights into your sleep and readiness metrics. There’s also Zepp Coach, which can create training plans tailored to your goals.

You won’t find some advanced health features like EKGs, but still, the Amazfit Active 2 offers far more than you’d expect at this price. For anyone looking for a stylish, feature-packed smartwatch without a premium price, this Prime Day deal is hard to beat.



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Signing Day Sport Stock (SGN) Surges 145% on Bitcoin Mining Deal

Signing Day Sports (SGN) stock surged on Friday after the athlete recruiting technology company announced a planned merger with Bitcoin (BTC) mining technology and digital infrastructure company BlockchAIn, One Blockchain LLC. Don’t Miss TipRanks’ Half-Year Sale The combination of Signing Day Sports and One Blockchain requires approval from SGN shareholders. On top of that, it […]

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Signing Day Sports (SGN) stock surged on Friday after the athlete recruiting technology company announced a planned merger with Bitcoin (BTC) mining technology and digital infrastructure company BlockchAIn, One Blockchain LLC.

Don’t Miss TipRanks’ Half-Year Sale

The combination of Signing Day Sports and One Blockchain requires approval from SGN shareholders. On top of that, it needs permission from the NYSE American to create a ticker for One Blockchain. A combination would be beneficial for both companies, bringing One Blockchain to the public market with its 2024 revenue of $26.8 million and net income of $5.7 million.

Signing Day Sports stock was up 144.72% in pre-market trading on Friday, following a 9.82% rally yesterday. However, the shares have fallen 53.23% year to date and 89.59% over the past 12 months. Today’s rally came alongside heavy trading, with some 68 million shares traded, compared to a three-month daily average of roughly 8.25 million units.

Is Signing Day Sports Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Wall Street’s coverage of Signing Day Sports is limited, but TipRanks’ AI analyst Spark has the stock covered. Spark rates SGN a Neutral (52) with a $1 price target, suggesting a possible 18.7% downside for the shares. It cites “significant financial challenges, including negative profitability and high leverage” as reasons for this stance.

See what else Spark has to say about SGN stock

Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue



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Inside the Fitness Industry’s AI Overhaul: From Data Chaos to Personalization

At the ATN Innovation Summit, fitness leaders showed how AI is moving from buzzword to bottom line As AI continues to dominate headlines in 2025, two panels at the ATN Innovation Summit 2025 made one thing clear: transformation in fitness takes more than tech hype. Leaders from across the industry pulled back the curtain on […]

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At the ATN Innovation Summit, fitness leaders showed how AI is moving from buzzword to bottom line

As AI continues to dominate headlines in 2025, two panels at the ATN Innovation Summit 2025 made one thing clear: transformation in fitness takes more than tech hype.

Leaders from across the industry pulled back the curtain on the operational realities behind innovation, from reinventing outdated data systems to rethinking loyalty strategies and scaling personalization without losing the human touch.

Personalization Without Losing the Human Touch

In the session titled “More Than a Buzzword: How AI Is Transforming Fitness Right Now,” moderated by Eric Malzone, host of The Future of Fitness podcast and ATN’s “Master Knowledge” series, panelists didn’t waste time on hypotheticals. With the AI fitness and wellness market projected to hit $35 billion by 2031, the focus was squarely on execution.

Dana Milkie, general manager at EGYM, said the goal isn’t to replace trainers but to scale their impact.

“We sit on over 9 million workouts and more than 500 million assessments,” he said. “By layering AI on top, we’re creating hyper-personalized programs that adjust to both the member’s data and the inventory of the gym itself.”

That personalization is already visible in EGYM’s new Genius AI system, which tailors workout plans based on available equipment and user goals. The platform doesn’t just generate routines; it provides weight recommendations and rep ranges based on ongoing assessments.

From left: Eric Malzone, Dana Milkie, Joe DeMarco (credit: Flickman Media)

Natalie Jones, senior director of business operations at Future, emphasized that even with AI, the human connection remains irreplaceable.

“It’s really hard for an AI persona to say to you, ‘I get what it means to lose 20 pounds, to try and get consistent while you have two kids,’” she said, adding that the human connection is invaluable and something people will continue to pay for.

Still, AI is becoming more sophisticated in complementing that relationship. Future now uses AI to analyze coaching interactions, flag when a message should be sent and suggest personalized check-ins – essentially becoming a smart assistant for human trainers.

Joe DeMarco, co-founder and CEO of SalesRevv, said automation is transforming fitness sales as well. His company builds AI-powered sales agents that engage prospects via text and email using brand-specific language, helping operators reduce labor costs while improving consistency.

“Our AI is not just communication – it’s actually doing the work,” DeMarco said. “It’s reaching out, trying to get them booked to that first appointment, showing them the schedule.”

All three panelists acknowledged the growing pains of integrating AI into existing operations but agreed it’s no longer optional, a point emphasized by Milkie.

 “We’re slow to adopt tech in this industry,” he said. “AI isn’t a someday tool. It’s here now, and we have to lean in.”

From Fragmentation to Fluidity

While the first panel focused on AI, the “Fit Tech Playbook: Insights From Master Operators” session, moderated by Alta Tech Group managing partner Al Noshirvani, zoomed out to examine how fitness companies are rebuilding legacy systems, prioritizing data strategy and managing tech investments amid rising consumer expectations.

“Everybody wants to do something with AI,” said Ryan Hawk, chief technology officer of Vasa Fitness. “But AI is only as good as the data you feed it. If your systems don’t talk to each other, you’re stuck.”

Hawk said his team’s first step was building a centralized, AI-ready data platform that pulls in information from fragmented systems.

“We use that to run unsupervised learning models that can identify member segments that might be meaningful based upon all of these features that we have in our data store,” he said. From there, the company can test churn-prevention tactics, recommend classes or trigger reward incentives via its mobile app.

Stephanie Tucker, chief customer officer of Hapana, echoed that sentiment.

“We’ve definitely come a long way as an industry from the sign-in sheets at check-in,” she pointed out, adding that as they develop new features, Hapana is balancing broad industry themes like personalization with the specific needs of smaller customer segments.

From left: Al Noshirvani, Alexandre Gregianin, Stephanie Tucker, Kari Saitowitz (credit: Flickman Media)

Kari Saitowitz, chief marketing and creative officer at New York Sports Clubs, said personalization has become table stakes: “We used to send the same communications to everybody… and now we send different communications depending on how people interact with the business.”

She added that AI isn’t just influencing email and SMS. NYSC is also using an AI ad platform to automate thousands of creative variations for digital campaigns, tailored to different prospect behaviors.

For Smart Fit chief technology officer Alex Gregianin, scale demands efficiency. With over 1,500 clubs across Latin America, his team uses machine learning to optimize when members should visit based on gym traffic and personal preferences.

“We can pretty much recommend the best workout for that time, the best exercise for him or her,” he said.

Smart Fit has also built its own mobile app ecosystem, including a social networking feature that helps users connect.

“Everyone knows that if you have people engaged, they stay longer,” Gregianin said. “So we added group features where members can chat, plan visits and track progress together.”

Buy or Build? It Depends on the Mission

As club operators experiment with everything from gamification to rewards programs, the question of whether to buy or build remains top of mind.

“If it’s a commodity – something readily available on the market and not core to our business – we’ll typically buy it,” Gregianin said. “But if it directly shapes the member’s digital experience or is part of our daily operations, we prefer to build it ourselves. That way, we can customize it and tailor the experience to deliver the best possible outcome for our members.”

Stephanie Tucker (credit: Flickman Media)

Hawk agreed but added that internal capabilities can shift the approach.

“Do we have the internal expertise? Is it something proprietary to us? Can we get it to market faster if we build it? Speed matters, and internal feedback loops let us learn and iterate more quickly than relying on external vendors,” he said.

Saitowitz, meanwhile, emphasized strategic partnerships, such as NYSC’s on-demand content from Les Mills and tapping Garmin for challenges and perks.

“We can’t build everything ourselves,” she said. “Partnerships keep us relevant without diluting the brand.”

The Future of Loyalty Is Data-Driven

When asked how they’re thinking about loyalty, panelists returned to one theme: data unlocks action, tracking check-ins and purchases to engagement with in-app challenges to trigger rewards or re-engagement offers that match member behavior.

Smart Fit’s loyalty model is similarly gamified. Members earn perks the longer they stay, with tangible benefits, Gregianin said. The company is also investing in features that encourage social interaction, aiming to turn solo workouts into communal experiences.

For Tucker, loyalty starts with lightening the load on staff.

“As we use technology to work smarter, not harder, it allows us to stay focused on what matters most – delivering high-touch, personalized experiences. This is a high-touch business, and we need to make sure our time and energy go where they have the most impact,” she said.

Across both panels, one message was clear: AI and tech aren’t just buzzwords, they’re business levers. Whether it’s segmenting users, personalizing workouts, improving retention or reducing churn, the operators leading the charge are those investing in data infrastructure, forging strategic partnerships and empowering teams to adapt.

This article is based on a live discussion held during the ATN Innovation Summit 2025, a two-day event dedicated to the future of fitness and wellness. See here for More Innovation Summit coverage. 





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Purpose-Built eSports Mouses : Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro

The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro is an upcoming peripheral engineered by the gaming-focused tech brand to support the needs of avid eSports fans like. The gaming mouse debuts the brand’s first use of an optical scrolling wheel instead of a mechanical one that’s reported to increase overall precision, durability and consistency. The mouse also features […]

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The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro is an upcoming peripheral engineered by the gaming-focused tech brand to support the needs of avid eSports fans like.

The gaming mouse debuts the brand’s first use of an optical scrolling wheel instead of a mechanical one that’s reported to increase overall precision, durability and consistency. The mouse also features optical switches that have been newly designed with a crisp feedback in mind and are rated for up to 100-million clicks. The mouse is paired with an upgraded wireless transmitter over the previous model to offer a 63% increase in power efficiency and a latency decrease of 37%.

The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro is priced at $170 and is available now for preorder in two color options that will start shipping July 24, 2025.

Image Credit: Razer



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