Unlocking ROI through Transformative Technology
Building a Platform with Purpose and Potential
RISExSHINE’s founders, Neil Stevenson-Moore and Jay DeMerit, had a bold vision: to use technology to promote positive mental health and life skills development among young people. They wanted to blend the engaging aspects of video games, social media, and online learning into a platform that would help reshape how kids engage with digital content—moving from mindless screen time to something more enriching and educational.
However, RISExSHINE faced a common startup challenge: they needed a polished, functional prototype that could demonstrate their concept to potential investors. That's where ASMBL stepped in.
From Athletes to Innovators
RISExSHINE’s story begins with two exceptional individuals—Neil Stevenson-Moore and Jay DeMerit—whose backgrounds in athletics and technology converged to create a vision that would challenge the status quo of digital interaction.
Neil Stevenson-Moore, a former college hockey player at Princeton and professional athlete in the UK, had spent over two decades in the tech industry. His entrepreneurial journey led him to search for his next big project—something that could make a positive impact, especially in the lives of young people.
Jay DeMerit, on the other hand, came from a very different sporting background. A Wisconsin native who played college soccer at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jay went on to achieve the kind of sports career that seems like a fairy tale. Against all odds, he played for the English Premier League and the U.S. Men’s National Team, even competing in the 2010 World Cup. His story was immortalized in the 2011 documentary, Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story, which celebrated his resilience and determination.
It was through a mutual friend that Neil and Jay first met. Over shared experiences in sports, they discussed the changes they’d witnessed in how young athletes now interact with technology. The days of hanging out with friends post-game had been replaced by headsets and video games. They realized that technology, while a powerful tool, was also leading to isolation and negative mental health outcomes for youth.
What if technology could be harnessed to do more than just entertain? What if it could be used to educate, inspire, and foster personal growth? The idea for RISExSHINE was born—an app that combined elements of social media, gaming, and online learning to offer young people a healthier, more engaging digital experience.
Maximizing ROI from the Start
When RISExSHINE approached ASMBL, they needed a product that would do more than just showcase their vision—it needed to secure the necessary investment to scale the business. Our team was tasked with developing a functional prototype that would prove the platform’s viability to investors. We didn’t just build an app; we maximized every element of the project to drive measurable results.
By aligning our expertise with RISExSHINE’s vision, we ensured that every element of the product was optimized for ROI, both in the short term (securing investment) and the long term (scaling the platform for greater impact).
Data Activation
We implemented sophisticated data extraction and enrichment strategies to ensure that the app could scale seamlessly, improving user engagement and providing valuable insights for future development.
Business Optimization
Our team helped streamline internal processes, reengineer business operations, and ensure that RISExSHINE’s resources were being used effectively to create long-term value and growth.
Experience Design
We created an immersive user experience that blended innovative design with a deep understanding of the app’s purpose. The goal was to ensure that RISExSHINE’s mission—creating a positive, engaging experience for youth—was at the heart of every interaction on the platform.
By aligning our expertise with RISExSHINE’s vision, we ensured that every element of the product was optimized for ROI, both in the short term (securing investment) and the long term (scaling the platform for greater impact).
From Prototype to Investment
Our collaboration had an immediate impact. With ASMBL’s engineering team delivering a polished, functional prototype, RISExSHINE was able to secure $2 million in additional funding from investors—an essential step in scaling the business. The investment was a direct result of the solid proof of concept that our team delivered, demonstrating both the potential for high user engagement and a clear path to market growth.
$2M in Additional Funding
The refined prototype helped RISExSHINE secure vital investment, including partnerships with major players like Electronic Arts, who became a "Founding Partner" on the project.
Investor Confidence
The app’s robust functionality and potential for social impact gave investors the confidence to back the project, positioning RISExSHINE for future growth.
Scalable Technology
Our team built a flexible technical foundation that would allow RISExSHINE to scale quickly as user demand increased, ensuring the platform could handle growth seamlessly.
Brand Alignment
Through our work in business optimization and experience design, we ensured that RISExSHINE’s values—promoting mental health, social equity, and personal growth—were deeply embedded in the product, resonating with both users and investors.
Driving ROI Beyond Investment
At ASMBL, we understand that ROI isn’t just about securing capital—it’s about delivering lasting value. By focusing on technology as a means of unlocking human potential, we were able to deliver a solution that directly aligned with RISExSHINE’s mission while ensuring that every phase of the project contributed to long-term growth and profitability. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to delivering measurable business results through technology.
Our work with RISExSHINE highlights how powerful a well-executed digital strategy can be—unlocking value at every step, from securing initial funding to setting the stage for future success. We didn’t just build an app; we built a scalable, sustainable platform poised for growth, ready to create real-world impact for youth.
Scaling for Future Impact
As RISExSHINE continues to refine its app and expand its reach, we remain committed to delivering ongoing value through further technological enhancements and optimization strategies. With ASMBL’s support, RISExSHINE is on track to attract even more users and partnerships, accelerating its journey toward becoming a transformative force in youth mental health and development.
A Partnership Focused on Results
This case study is a testament to what happens when purpose-driven technology meets strategic execution. At ASMBL, our unique blend of Data Activation, Business Optimization, and Experience Design allows us to drive real ROI for our clients. Through our work with RISExSHINE, we proved that technology can be a catalyst for positive change and, when done right, can unlock exponential growth and success for both the business and the communities it serves.
The numbers speak for themselves: $2 million raised, investor confidence secured, and a transformative product on its way to market. When you partner with ASMBL, you're not just investing in a solution—you're investing in measurable, long-term results.
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