Kansas City startup offers a social network website for athletes

An Olathe-based entrepreneur has launched a website that intends to provide “content, careers and connections” for athletes.

The website, AthleteNetwork.com, uses a proprietary algorithm to take users’ interests, traits and preferences into account and give them relevant information plus a social network with other athletes and prospective employers who value athletes’ characteristics.

“We’re committed to revolutionizing the way athletes interact and connect,” said Chris Smith, founder and chief executive of Athlete Network.

Since launching in test mode last year on desktop, Athlete Network has attracted more than 170,000 members and more than 500 employers or recruiters, the startup said. It released its first mobile app, Athlete Network 1.0, on Android last month and iOS on Tuesday.

Enterprise, a rental car company that is the largest hirer of recent college graduates, is using the network to recruit.

“Targeting the athletic community aligns with our values because athletes understand the value of team goals and preparing for long-term success,” said Marie Artim, vice president of talent acquisition at Enterprise Holdings. “Athlete Network has been an extremely successful partner by providing an efficient way for Enterprise to connect with the athletic community.”

Stryker, Comcast, Northwestern Mutual and KPMG also have begun using the website to find job candidates, Athlete Network said.

Smith, who played football at the University of Hawaii and Missouri State University, received a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and management. Before founding the Athlete Network in 2014, he held operational and sales jobs with pharmaceutical, finance and investment banking companies.

He first produced Athletes4Hire.com in 2004 and created CareerAthletes.com in 2008. The AthleteNetwork.com is his third similarly focused launch.

This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 1:00 AM with the headline "Kansas City startup offers a social network website for athletes."