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SportsBlock: Custom Platform Build & AI Integration
SportsBlock needed a fan engagement platform that could handle real-time sports data, AI-curated content, and social features at scale. Marshall Tech delivered the MVP in 6 weeks with a custom backend and Next.js frontend, then scaled to 50k+ monthly active users, all running on under $500/month in infrastructure.
Time to MVP
5x faster
Build cost
87% reduction
Monthly active users
Scale achieved
Infrastructure cost
90% lower
01 — Challenge
The problem
SportsBlock had a vision for a next-generation fan engagement platform but no technical team. A previous agency engagement had produced wireframes and a $300k quote for an 8-month build. The founders needed a working product in the market fast enough to secure their seed round, with a budget under $50k.
02 — Approach
The decision
Marshall Tech proposed a custom build: a scalable backend handling real-time data feeds, user management, and content storage, paired with Next.js for a fast, SEO-friendly frontend. AI content curation was built as custom endpoints using Claude, processing incoming sports data and generating personalised feed content. The $300k agency quote became a $40k delivered product.
03 — Results
Measured outcomes
| Metric | Before | After | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to MVP | 8 months (quoted) | 6 weeks | 5x faster |
| Build cost | $300k (quoted) | $40k | 87% reduction |
| Monthly active users | 0 | 50k+ | Scale achieved |
| Infrastructure cost | Est. $3k–5k/month | <$500/month | 90% lower |
| Content curation | Manual | AI-automated | 10x throughput |
04 — Stack
Technology used
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