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'Fund at First Pitch' attracts Global Investors with Future Tech
MACAO, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 5th BEYOND Expo 2025 wrapped up at The Venetian® Macao's Cotai Expo after delivering a packed program of events that brought to life its vision of "Empowering Asia, Bridging the World". Following four days of talks by tech leaders and visionaries, the Expo closed with the finals of Fund at First Pitch and a fireside chat with Alibaba Group Chairman Joe Tsai, illustrating the Expo's commitment to supporting tech innovation in Asia. This year's BEYOND Expo attracted more than 800 companies, 800 investors and 25,000 visitors, across sectors from AI, HealthTech and Clean Energy to Robotics and SportsTech, making it the biggest BEYOND Expo yet and one of the largest annual pan-Asian technology gatherings.
In a fireside chat with BEYOND Expo Co-Founder Jason Ho, Alibaba Group Chairperson Joe Tsai shared his views on Chinese companies going overseas, the challenges of doing business in the current business climate and the role of sport in global entertainment. He emphasized the importance of trust in business as part of a company's mission. "Trust is built up over time. It's very difficult to establish trust overnight. It's all about people working together to achieve a goal. I think it's easier if you have a common goal that you're aiming for, then you can work on the details of establishing that trust. At Alibaba, from day one, we had a mission. The mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere because we wanted to help small businesses to use the internet platform to aspire globally. And that's something that stayed true to us even today. So, our mission 26 years ago is the same mission today."
He also highlighted how there are benefits to being a Chinese company but localization and cultural understanding remain key to success. "China today is recognized globally, especially in technology. People do look to China when it comes to AI, consumer internet, and cloud computing. China is definitely a heavyweight player in the global market, and for Alibaba being in the Chinese market because approximately 80%+ of our revenues still come from China. We do get recognized globally because China is a big country and a very important country in the whole global technology race."
Talking about the future of technology he said "We've done very well with AI and large language models, AI is able to understand knowledge, and now able to reason. But spatial intelligence is where there still needs to be more advances in order for the robotics industry to move forward".
BEYOND Expo included discussions about SportsTech. As Joe Tsai explained how the Brooklyn Nets can become a cultural concept and a global brand that extends beyond basketball. NIP Group CEO and the Macau E-Sports Federation Chairman Mario Ho shared his vision for the future of e-sports. Sports featured prominently throughout the Expo, with a popular demonstration arena set up the NBA, sports technology solutions from cycling to tennis, and exhibitor visits by former NBA stars Yao Ming and Metta World Peace.
BEYOND Expo's Fund at First Pitch (FAFP) aims to encourage innovation and attract investment funding for winners. JumpStart Media Executive Chairman James Kwan chaired the 2025 Fund at First Pitch. Judges included Artest Management Group (AMG) Chairman, Metta World Peace; Gobi Partners Co-founder and Chairperson Thomas Tsao, and Lingotto Innovation Managing Partner & Co-Head Morgan Samet who quizzed five finalists and gave company valuations as they pitched their ideas. Gobi Partners is a leading Asia-focused venture capital firm with US$1.6 billion in assets under management (AUM) which has invested in over 380 startups. Lingotto Innovation is an investment company wholly owned by Exor which is owned by the Italian Agelli family. Innovative technology investments include Neura Robotics and Optalysys.
Finalists of 'Fund at First Pitch' were AI Green Limited, with a 100% bio-based polyurethane formulation for coatings that is bio-based, carbon-reducing, affordable, waterproof, recyclable, and durable. EcoLution is a Finnish-Chinese JV promoting low-carbon farming by upcycling by-products such as tofu. Healytec is a sports recovery tech company with a portable, lightweight hot and cold recovery device that reaches from +45 degrees to -10 creating a new standard in the market. AI4C is an AI agent that can connect to existing systems such as enterprise systems, including CRM, ERP, office automation to create greater efficiencies. 11Talk is an AI language-learning app tailored to the needs of Chinese learners. Past years of Fund at First Pitch have resulted in millions of dollars of funding.
BEYOND Expo Closing Ceremony @ The Venetian® Macao's Cotai Expo
BEYOND Expo 2025 was held at The Venetian® Macao's Cotai Expo. Since opening, Cotai Expo has been a leading conference, meetings and exhibition venue in Macao, and is one of the largest MICE venues in Asia, with approximately 71,000 square metres of exhibition space. It is also part of Sands® Resorts Macao, which attracts top event planners from around the world due to its 150,000 square metres of MICE space, world-class entertainment venues, award-winning accommodation, spectacular recreation and leisure options, unrivalled shopping experiences, and dynamic dining options. Sands Resorts Macao's newest hotel, located within The Londoner® Macao, is Londoner Grand, which marks a bold new chapter in luxury for discerning travellers and event planners.
About BEYOND Expo
The BEYOND International Technology Innovation Expo (BEYOND Expo) is Asia's leading annual technology event. Serving as a dynamic platform since 2021, BEYOND Expo not only showcases global technological innovations but also provides a unique opportunity to foster innovation upgrades across diverse industries and regions.
BEYOND Expo has attracted participation from Asia's Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, unicorn companies, and emerging startups. Through a multifaceted approach involving expos, summits, and various activities, BEYOND Expo has successfully cultivated an innovative ecosystem, propelling collective development in the Asia-Pacific region and the global technology innovation industry. www.beyondexpo.com
'Fund at First Pitch' attracts Global Investors with Future Tech
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Alibaba's Joe Tsai emphasized Trust as the 5th BEYOND Expo closed
Alibaba's Joe Tsai emphasized Trust as the 5th BEYOND Expo closed
Alibaba's Joe Tsai emphasized Trust as the 5th BEYOND Expo closed
Alibaba's Joe Tsai emphasized Trust as the 5th BEYOND Expo closed
MACAO, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 5th BEYOND Expo 2025 wrapped up at The Venetian® Macao's Cotai Expo after delivering a packed program of events that brought to life its vision of "Empowering Asia, Bridging the World". Following four days of talks by tech leaders and visionaries, the Expo closed with the finals of Fund at First Pitch and a fireside chat with Alibaba Group Chairman Joe Tsai, illustrating the Expo's commitment to supporting tech innovation in Asia. This year's BEYOND Expo attracted more than 800 companies, 800 investors and 25,000 visitors, across sectors from AI, HealthTech and Clean Energy to Robotics and SportsTech, making it the biggest BEYOND Expo yet and one of the largest annual pan-Asian technology gatherings.
In a fireside chat with BEYOND Expo Co-Founder Jason Ho, Alibaba Group Chairperson Joe Tsai shared his views on Chinese companies going overseas, the challenges of doing business in the current business climate and the role of sport in global entertainment. He emphasized the importance of trust in business as part of a company's mission. "Trust is built up over time. It's very difficult to establish trust overnight. It's all about people working together to achieve a goal. I think it's easier if you have a common goal that you're aiming for, then you can work on the details of establishing that trust. At Alibaba, from day one, we had a mission. The mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere because we wanted to help small businesses to use the internet platform to aspire globally. And that's something that stayed true to us even today. So, our mission 26 years ago is the same mission today."
He also highlighted how there are benefits to being a Chinese company but localization and cultural understanding remain key to success. "China today is recognized globally, especially in technology. People do look to China when it comes to AI, consumer internet, and cloud computing. China is definitely a heavyweight player in the global market, and for Alibaba being in the Chinese market because approximately 80%+ of our revenues still come from China. We do get recognized globally because China is a big country and a very important country in the whole global technology race."
Talking about the future of technology he said "We've done very well with AI and large language models, AI is able to understand knowledge, and now able to reason. But spatial intelligence is where there still needs to be more advances in order for the robotics industry to move forward".
BEYOND Expo included discussions about SportsTech. As Joe Tsai explained how the Brooklyn Nets can become a cultural concept and a global brand that extends beyond basketball. NIP Group CEO and the Macau E-Sports Federation Chairman Mario Ho shared his vision for the future of e-sports. Sports featured prominently throughout the Expo, with a popular demonstration arena set up the NBA, sports technology solutions from cycling to tennis, and exhibitor visits by former NBA stars Yao Ming and Metta World Peace.
BEYOND Expo's Fund at First Pitch (FAFP) aims to encourage innovation and attract investment funding for winners. JumpStart Media Executive Chairman James Kwan chaired the 2025 Fund at First Pitch. Judges included Artest Management Group (AMG) Chairman, Metta World Peace; Gobi Partners Co-founder and Chairperson Thomas Tsao, and Lingotto Innovation Managing Partner & Co-Head Morgan Samet who quizzed five finalists and gave company valuations as they pitched their ideas. Gobi Partners is a leading Asia-focused venture capital firm with US$1.6 billion in assets under management (AUM) which has invested in over 380 startups. Lingotto Innovation is an investment company wholly owned by Exor which is owned by the Italian Agelli family. Innovative technology investments include Neura Robotics and Optalysys.
Finalists of 'Fund at First Pitch' were AI Green Limited, with a 100% bio-based polyurethane formulation for coatings that is bio-based, carbon-reducing, affordable, waterproof, recyclable, and durable. EcoLution is a Finnish-Chinese JV promoting low-carbon farming by upcycling by-products such as tofu. Healytec is a sports recovery tech company with a portable, lightweight hot and cold recovery device that reaches from +45 degrees to -10 creating a new standard in the market. AI4C is an AI agent that can connect to existing systems such as enterprise systems, including CRM, ERP, office automation to create greater efficiencies. 11Talk is an AI language-learning app tailored to the needs of Chinese learners. Past years of Fund at First Pitch have resulted in millions of dollars of funding.
BEYOND Expo Closing Ceremony @ The Venetian® Macao's Cotai Expo
BEYOND Expo 2025 was held at The Venetian® Macao's Cotai Expo. Since opening, Cotai Expo has been a leading conference, meetings and exhibition venue in Macao, and is one of the largest MICE venues in Asia, with approximately 71,000 square metres of exhibition space. It is also part of Sands® Resorts Macao, which attracts top event planners from around the world due to its 150,000 square metres of MICE space, world-class entertainment venues, award-winning accommodation, spectacular recreation and leisure options, unrivalled shopping experiences, and dynamic dining options. Sands Resorts Macao's newest hotel, located within The Londoner® Macao, is Londoner Grand, which marks a bold new chapter in luxury for discerning travellers and event planners.
About BEYOND Expo
The BEYOND International Technology Innovation Expo (BEYOND Expo) is Asia's leading annual technology event. Serving as a dynamic platform since 2021, BEYOND Expo not only showcases global technological innovations but also provides a unique opportunity to foster innovation upgrades across diverse industries and regions.
BEYOND Expo has attracted participation from Asia's Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, unicorn companies, and emerging startups. Through a multifaceted approach involving expos, summits, and various activities, BEYOND Expo has successfully cultivated an innovative ecosystem, propelling collective development in the Asia-Pacific region and the global technology innovation industry. www.beyondexpo.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Alibaba's Joe Tsai emphasized Trust as the 5th BEYOND Expo closed
Alibaba's Joe Tsai emphasized Trust as the 5th BEYOND Expo closed
Alibaba's Joe Tsai emphasized Trust as the 5th BEYOND Expo closed
Alibaba's Joe Tsai emphasized Trust as the 5th BEYOND Expo closed
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Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
