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Social Networking - Wednesday, August 22, 2007

LocalReplay.com Angel Funded For Youth Sports SocNet

Charlotte, NC-based LocalReplay has raised an undisclosed amount of angel funding, the a:c has learned. The beta version of LocalReplay.com debuted in North Carolina in June 2007 and it has slowly been expanding to other Eastern states. The idea is to feature entire local sports communities, with photos, videos, news, stats, and schedules that are updated by the teams. The site is free and plans to be ad-supported by the kinds of sponsors that typically back local sports teams (like pizzerias).

Similar to other local social networks like Going.com, LocalReplay wants to slowly expand from core areas, cultivating growth through personal relationships with teams and sponsors that would use the platform.

LocalReplay is led by Gil Zino who was VP, Technology at VSNL International (which was bought by Teleglobe). His company will face some tough challenges from competitors like Takkle, which Sports Illustrated took a stake in. Takkle has the advantage in that it has tie ins to Sports Illustrated and what team or athlete doesn't want to appear on SI? Another competitor is Prep Sports Online which took an investment from Wasserman Media Group. beRecruited also competes here and has launched a Facebook widget.

LocalReplay notes in its recruiting posts that it has secured angel funding (does not say who or how much) and is looking to increase its headcount from the 3 founders who have been at it full time since the Spring.

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