“As a lifelong competitor in niche sports – sled dog racing, climbing, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and American football in Europe – I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges athletes in emerging sports face. Despite their talent, many athletes struggle to secure sponsorships, juggling their sport with full-time jobs just to stay afloat. In my leadership roles in national sports federations, I saw how sponsorship opportunities often favor those who can afford to prepare, rather than those with the most potential.

Brands and media often lack the resources to recognize and support emerging talent, leading to missed opportunities and diminishing returns. That’s why I founded NxtStride. We bridge the gap by verifying, validating, and connecting true athletic talent with sponsors. We do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on becoming the best athlete you can be. With NxtStride, sponsorships are no longer just for the well-known – they’re for those who truly deserve them.”

Jukkis Ahonen
Founder of NxtStride