085 Building Global Sports Businesses with Scott Heyes | Sports Travel, Entrepreneurship & Expanding into the U.S. Market

Scott Heyes is the founder and CEO of First Contact Advisory and CFO of Sports Where I Am. This episode covers sports entrepreneurship, cross-border expansion, and the growing opportunities in the global sports industry. Drawing from more than 30 years of experience across institutional banking, venture capital, and international finance, Scott shares practical advice for founders looking to enter the U.S. market and scale successfully. The conversation explores why early-stage entrepreneurs should focus on solving real customer problems before raising capital, the importance of testing products with coaches, teams, and universities, and how intentional networking can unlock opportunities in sports tech, AI, travel, and performance. Scott also breaks down the rapid growth of sports travel and fan experiences through his work with Sports Where I Am, highlighting how global leagues like the NFL are creating massive international demand for live sports experiences. Scott closes the episode with valuable insights for international founders building relationships in the American sports business ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of clear messaging, confidence, and understanding cultural differences when doing business in the U.S.