The Alabama Futures Fund, which specializes in providing seed money to startup businesses, has tapped Mobile-based PINZ as its 14th investment.
PINZ, the brand name for Pretty Marsh Golf, “connects the world’s golfers — amateurs and pros — through competition, community and comparison,” the fund said in announcing its investment.
Golf was growing before the pandemic struck, the announcement says, and has grown even more during the pandemic.
“PINZ is creating the first competitive social feed and interactive platform for golfers,” the announcing says. Using the program, golfers can compare scores and compete virtually not only with friends but also with other golfers on their course, including professionals.
PINZ was founded by Mike Stashak, who worked earlier building brands with Wahoo Fitness, Equifax and McKinsey and Co. Partnering in the project is Kyle Wylie, who also has more than a decade of experience building brands and technology interfaces.
“The Alabama Futures Fund is a fantastic resource for any early-stage company or entrepreneur in Alabama, and I am grateful to be part of the founder group. Early-stage funding is lacking in our region, and AFF plays an important role in helping entrepreneurs overcome this barrier to starting a company,” said Stashak.
“We believe PINZ is going to transform the way golfers compete and engage with the sport,” said Mickey Millsap, general partner at Redhawk. “Mike brings a tremendous amount of experience in the space and has demonstrated an ability to assemble key strategic partners throughout the golfing community that are going to make this platform a must-have for golfers all over the world.”
The PINZ investment is the 12th for the Alabama Futures Fund. Many of its earlier investments have gone to out-of-state firms, all with the requirement that the business create an Alabama presence. Redhawk Advisory is investment manager for the Birmingham-based fund.
