18Birdies

18Birdies, founded in 2014 by CEO Eddy Lui, operates a mobile-first social and game-improvement platform for the golf industry. Lui, a veteran technology executive and passionate golfer, leveraged his 20-year career in building tech startups, including co-founding PIXIA Corp and working at Bain & Company, to address a gap in the market. He identified a need to modernize the golf experience, particularly for a younger, tech-savvy demographic, by integrating gamification and social connectivity into the sport.

The company is positioned as a comprehensive digital tool for both avid and beginner golfers, providing on-course utilities and a social network. The core of its offering is a mobile application featuring a GPS rangefinder powered by Google Maps, score and stat tracking, and digital tools for managing various tournament formats. A key differentiator is the platform's social component, which allows users to connect with friends, share results, and participate in a larger golfing community. Furthermore, the app incorporates an artificial intelligence coaching feature to help players improve their game.

18Birdies operates on a freemium business model. The application is free to download and use, offering a robust set of standard features, including GPS, scoring, and basic stat tracking. Revenue is generated through paid Premium subscriptions, which are offered on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis and unlock more advanced features and data analysis. The company also develops SAAS solutions for golf courses to manage tournaments. Since its launch, the company has seen significant user adoption, reporting it was the most-downloaded golf app in 2020 and 2021 and surpassed one million members by June 2018. The Oakland-based firm has secured undisclosed amounts in funding over at least two rounds, with investors including Decathlon Capital Partners, venture capitalist Peter Gotcher, and former NBA star Jason Kidd.

Keywords: golf technology, mobile golf app, GPS rangefinder, golf stats tracking, social golf platform, golf game improvement, tournament management software, Eddy Lui, digital scorecard, golf AI coach, in-app purchases, freemium model, golf community, sports technology, on-course analytics, golf gamification, player development tools, golf social network, golf course management, mobile sports platform