Lead The Game with Edoardo Grandi

Sport Businessman is a platform built for investors to understand business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.We work with Private equity, family offices, and entrepreneurs targeting sports/media/entertainment opportunities across Europe and North America.For collaboration opportunities: [email protected]: sport-businessman.comOur main themes:• Building Generational Wealth• Succession Planning for Entrepreneurs • Acquiring Control + Scaling Businesses• Growth Equity in Sports/Media• Private Credit in Sports Finance#SportsFinance #SportsBusiness #SportsInvestingTrascrizione

Sport Businessman is a platform built for investors to understand business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.We work with Private equity, family offices, and entrepreneurs targeting sports/media/entertainment opportunities across Europe and North America.For collaboration opportunities: [email protected]: sport-businessman.comOur main themes:• Building Generational Wealth• Succession Planning for Entrepreneurs • Acquiring Control + Scaling Businesses• Growth Equity in Sports/Media• Private Credit in Sports Finance#SportsFinance #SportsBusiness #SportsInvesting

Sport Businessman is a platform built for investors to understand business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.We work with Private equity, family offices, and entrepreneurs targeting sports/media/entertainment opportunities across Europe and North America.For collaboration opportunities: [email protected]: sport-businessman.comOur main themes:• Building Generational Wealth• Succession Planning for Entrepreneurs • Acquiring Control + Scaling Businesses• Growth Equity in Sports/Media• Private Credit in Sports Finance#SportsFinance #SportsBusiness #SportsInvesting

Sport Businessman is a platform built for investors to understand business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.We work with Private equity, family offices, and entrepreneurs targeting sports/media/entertainment opportunities across Europe and North America.For collaboration opportunities: [email protected]: sport-businessman.comOur main themes:• Building Generational Wealth• Succession Planning for Entrepreneurs • Acquiring Control + Scaling Businesses• Growth Equity in Sports/Media• Private Credit in Sports Finance#SportsFinance #SportsBusiness #SportsInvesting

Sport Businessman is a platform built for investors to understand business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.We work with Private equity, family offices, and entrepreneurs targeting sports/media/entertainment opportunities across Europe and North America.For collaboration opportunities: [email protected]: sport-businessman.comOur main themes:• Building Generational Wealth• Succession Planning for Entrepreneurs • Acquiring Control + Scaling Businesses• Growth Equity in Sports/Media• Private Credit in Sports Finance#SportsFinance #SportsBusiness #SportsInvesting

We speak with Jesper Søgaard, Co‑Founder & CEO of Better Collective, on how global sports media platforms scale through acquisitions, operational standardization, and data‑driven audience monetization across regulated and emerging markets.Jesper outlines Better Collective’s evolution from performance marketing into a diversified digital sports media group reaching hundreds of millions of monthly users across brands including Action Network, Playmaker HQ, HLTV, FUTBIN, and Yardbarker. He explains how the company builds repeatable operating systems, integrates acquisitions, and expands recurring revenue through productized media assets and long‑term commercial partnerships.We discuss the company’s current strategic posture: navigating market headwinds in the US and Brazil, adapting to search‑ecosystem volatility, and restructuring around publishing, paid media, and esports to drive efficiency and scale. Jesper breaks down how Better Collective evaluates opportunities, approaches M&A, and balances brand autonomy with centralized capabilities in tech, data, and commercial operations.The conversation also covers the future of sports media: first‑party data, audience segmentation, content‑commerce hybrids, and the role of trusted, regulated digital platforms in shaping how fans consume sports, betting insights, and community‑driven content globally.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to understand business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.For podcast requests or collaboration opportunities: [email protected]

We speak with Dov Penzik, Founder of No Strings, on how private equity and institutional capital can fuel growth in sportainment through tech-enhanced recreational experiences, venue differentiation, and scalable revenue models in paddle, ping pong, darts, and emerging sports hospitality.With a background spanning 15 years building entertainment and sportainment concepts from Bounce ping pong in London to Flight Club Darts across North America and mini golf ventures, Dov explains how No Strings creates high-margin, tech-layered platforms that transform commoditized activities into addictive, branded destinations. He breaks down how auto-scoring tech, CRM-driven events, and seamless consumer journeys unlock unit economics, boost repeat play, and blend live sport with social hospitality, and why the next decade belongs to “invisible technology” hybrids merging recreation with data-driven monetization.We also discuss No Strings upcoming flagship launch targeting mature paddle markets Q4 2026/Q1 2027, its networked club model with leaderboards and spectator vibes, revenue from court bookings/memberships, corporate events, F&B, retail, and sponsorships via court screens, plus opportunities in under-monetized paddle ecosystems for investors. Dov shares insights on organizational friction in paddle (e.g., WhatsApp chaos), synergies with hospitality dynamics, and the vision for a SaaS-licensable “Apple Store for paddle” powerhouse.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: [email protected]

We speak with Shawn Tilger, President of GF Sports and Entertainment, on how private equity is fueling growth in sports and live events through targeted acquisitions, operational excellence, and revenue diversification in tennis, lacrosse, and alternative sports.With a background spanning over 30 years in sports operations from COO of the Philadelphia Flyers to executive roles across NHL, esports, and events, Shawn explains how GF Sports and Entertainment builds high-margin platforms that scale undervalued assets into global brands. He breaks down how PE transforms scouting talent pipelines, venue monetization, and fan engagement, and why the next decade belongs to hybrid models merging live experiences with digital media.We also discuss GF’s portfolio powering ATP events like Dallas and Atlanta Opens, NLL’s Ottawa Black Bears, World Long Drive, and debt-backed expansions, the rise of data-driven sports investments, and opportunities in under-monetized markets for family offices. Shawn shares insights on structural gaps in U.S. sports ecosystems, synergies with institutional capital, and the vision for a PE-fueled entertainment powerhouse.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: [email protected]

We speak with Aldo Comi, Co‑Founder and CEO of Soccerment, on how football is being reshaped by AI, performance data, and wearable technology, and why the sport is entering a new era defined by objective measurement, player‑centric intelligence, and global scalability.With a background spanning finance, data science, and football performance, Aldo explains how Soccerment is building an integrated ecosystem that combines advanced analytics, proprietary wearables, and AI‑driven insights to support clubs, academies, and players across the development pathway. He breaks down how data is transforming scouting, coaching, and tactical evaluation, and why the next decade of football will be shaped by platforms capable of merging on‑field tracking, contextual analytics, and predictive modelling.We also discuss Soccerment’s work with elite clubs, federations, and the MLS Innovation Lab, the rise of data‑native player development, and how emerging technologies are enabling new forms of football storytelling for media and fans. Aldo shares his perspective on the structural inefficiencies in global football, the opportunities created by under‑digitised markets, and the long‑term vision for building the AI layer of the world’s most global sport.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact:

We speak with Danny Menken, former Managing Director of Eurosport, co‑founder of Eleven Sports, Chairman of Levels Fight League, and co‑founder of Athvance Capital, on how European sports IP is being reshaped across media, combat sports, and private investment, and why under‑commercialised properties represent one of the most overlooked value‑creation opportunities in the sector.With a career spanning pan‑European sports broadcasting, global network building, data‑driven sports operations, and a lifelong commitment to martial arts, Danny explains how emerging sports properties can scale when supported by disciplined governance, modern media infrastructure, and investor‑grade operational models. He also discusses how Athvance Capital is approaching early‑stage sports IP, technology, and services, and why Europe remains structurally fragmented and therefore positioned for consolidation and strategic growth.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: [email protected]

We speak with Han Park, CEO & Founder of Payment Labs, on how global payouts are being rebuilt for esports, sports, NIL, and the creator economy and why paying individuals across borders remains one of the most overlooked operational challenges in the digital economy.With 25+ years across gaming and esports, including leading Turtle Entertainment America (ESL Gaming), Han breaks down how Payment Labs enables compliant, efficient payments in 150+ currencies across 180+ countries, and why simplifying onboarding, tax, and cross‑border routing unlocks scale for businesses paying talent worldwide.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment. To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: [email protected]

We speak with Edoardo Martorelli, Founder & Executive Director of Drive Sports Marketing, on how brands, rights holders, and drivers build strategic partnerships across Formula 1 and global motorsport. With 10+ years in commercial strategy including senior roles at Scuderia AlphaTauri and Right Formula, Edoardo breaks down sponsorship sales, partnership management, and global brand activation in one of the world’s most competitive ecosystems.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment. To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: [email protected]

We speak with Antonio Alquezar, Team Principal of Spain SailGP, on how the team went from last in Season 3 to World Champions in Season 4 by aligning performance, sustainability, and purpose inside one of the world’s fastest‑growing sports leagues.

We speak with Raphael Gellar, Founder of Forward Sports Group, on how his boutique football consultancy represents players, coaches, and clubs across global markets. From contract negotiation to branding, marketing, and sponsorship acquisition, Raphael breaks down how Forward brokers deals across Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa built on a foundation of integrity and long‑term client trust.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment. To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: [email protected]

We speak with Koen Put, Senior Partner & Managing Director at Double Pass, on how the company builds and optimizes talent‑development ecosystems for clubs, leagues, and federations worldwide. From “glocalized” academy strategy to consulting across 125 countries, Koen explains how Double Pass helps investors, executives, and sporting leaders create sustainable football performance and long‑term player development.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment. To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: [email protected]

Massimo Marinelli, Founder & Managing Partner of Berkida VenturesFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: [email protected]🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Conversation with Massimo Zanetti, Founder of Segafredo Zanetti and Owner of Virtus Bologna. We discuss how he built a global coffee business from Italian roots, and why sport ownership and sponsorship are central to his strategy. The episode covers Segafredo Zanetti’s international expansion, the role of cycling and basketball in brand visibility, and the process of building Virtus Bologna into one of the most decorated basketball teams in Europe.For collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: [email protected]🌐 Visit: ⁠sport-businessman.com⁠About the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Omer Atesmen, CEO of The Snow LeagueFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: [email protected]🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Mike Buckley, Co-Owner & CEO of United States SailGP TeamFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: [email protected]🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Matt Rizzetta, Founder & Managing Partner of Underdog Global PartnersFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: [email protected]🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Mark Robinson, CEO of New Zealand RugbyFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: [email protected]🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Isaac Richard III, CEO of Mavros CapitalFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: [email protected]🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Erik Stover, CEO of New York CosmosFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: [email protected]🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Matt Valentine, Chairman & Founder Atletico DallasFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: ⁠[email protected]⁠🌐 Visit: ⁠sport-businessman.com⁠About the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Paul Rigault, CEO of DODS Diving LeagueFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: [email protected]🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Koen Bosma, Partner & Head of Venture Capital at Apex Capital

15 deals in under 4 minutes from stadium projects to billion-dollar media moves. Here’s where investors are putting money in sports, media, and entertainment this week.

Koen Bosma, Partner & Head of Venture Capital at Apex Capital

Brett Johnson, CEO Benevolent Capital, Chairman of Rhode Island FC & Director and Shareholder of Ipswich Town FC , Phoenix Rising FC.

Brett Johnson, CEO Benevolent Capital, Chairman of Rhode Island FC & Director and Shareholder of Ipswich Town FC , Phoenix Rising FC.

Paul Beirne, Founder Canadian Premier League & Ex-Head of Commercial at Brighton & Hove Albion

Paul Beirne, Founder Canadian Premier League & Ex-Head of Commercial at Brighton & Hove Albion

Danny Dekker, Managing Director of Westchester SC and former founder of New York Dutch Lions FC, joins the podcast to share the story behind launching and growing the American club. With years of experience across European and U.S. football, Danny breaks down the operational model and long-term vision driving Westchester SC. In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities of building a sustainable club and how structure and strategy can shape the future of American soccer.

Danny Dekker, Managing Director of Westchester SC and former founder of New York Dutch Lions FC, joins the podcast to share the story behind launching and growing the American club. With years of experience across European and U.S. football, Danny breaks down the operational model and long-term vision driving Westchester SC. In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities of building a sustainable club and how structure and strategy can shape the future of American soccer.

Nella seconda parte dell’intervista con Umberto Gandini, Presidente della Lega Basket Serie A, approfondiamo il progetto Next Gen e le iniziative strategiche per valorizzare il talento giovanile in Italia. Discutiamo il ruolo della digitalizzazione, del branding dei club, e dell’importanza della visione a lungo termine per lo sviluppo commerciale della LBA. Un confronto ricco di spunti per comprendere come innovazione e progettualità possano trasformare il basket italiano in un’eccellenza europea.

Umberto Gandini, Presidente della Lega Basket Serie A ed ex dirigente di AC Milan e AS Roma, si unisce al podcast per discutere la sua carriera di oltre 30 anni nel calcio e nel basket professionistico. In questa prima parte dell'intervista, analizziamo il suo ruolo nello sviluppo commerciale di due dei club più iconici d’Europa, il potenziale del private equity nel basket italiano e come la LBA può attrarre investitori per crescere e competere a livello internazionale.

Giulio Gallazzi, Presidente di Alcione Milano, CEO di SRI Group & Ex giocatore di Football Americano, si unisce al podcast per discutere del modello di Alcione Milano e del suo approccio innovativo per lo sviluppo del talento sportivo. In questa seconda parte dell’intervista, analizziamo il ruolo della formazione e dell’educazione nel creare opportunità per giovani atleti e professionisti dello sport, esplorando le strategie che possono guidare il futuro dello sport italiano.

Giulio Gallazzi, Presidente di Alcione Milano, CEO di SRI Group & Ex giocatore di FootballAmericano, si unisce al podcast per discutere del panorama degli investimenti nello sport italiano, del ruolo del private equity nel calcio europeo e di cosa possiamo imparare dai modelli della NFL e dell'NBA per costruire squadre sostenibili e scalabili.

Luca Scordo, Perfomance Coach & Assistant Coach of Alkholood Saudi Club

Kevin Tenjo, Sporting Director of Brooklyn Football Club

Kevin Tenjo, Sporting Director of Brooklyn Football Club

Daniel Hall, Founder & CEO of Club Underdog Multi Club Org and currently Chairman of Dagenham & Redbridge FC.

Wayne Kimmel, Founder and Managing Partner of SeventySix Capital.

Daniel Hall, Founder & CEO of Club Underdog Multi Club Org and currently Chairman of Dagenham & Redbridge FC.

Agustina De Giovanni, CEO & Founder of ADG Mental Performance and Mental Performance Coach at Bay FC.

Wayne Kimmel, Founder and Managing Partner of SeventySix Capital.

Agustina De Giovanni, 1st Mental Coach in MLS & NWSL History

Ross Burbeary, Head of Football Development & Performance at Derby County FC

Ross Burbeary, Head of Football Development & Performance at Derby County Football Club

Roberto De Fanti, Football Agent & Intermediary at RDF Football and Former A.F.C Sunderland Football Director