Participated · Equity · Sep 2020

Bayes (formerly DOJO Madness) builds big-data tools and services for the esports sector. The company operates two business units: Shadow, which develops analytical tools for esports teams and tournaments, and Bayes Esports Solutions, a co-venture with Sportradar that distributes esports data to betting, broadcasting and media customers. Founded in 2015 and based in Berlin, Bayes has pursued commercial partnerships, including deals in 2019 with ESL and Riot Games. The startup says it will continue expanding its platform. Bayes turned profitable this year. Its product focus and distribution partnerships target growth across teams, tournaments and commercial data customers.

Participated · Series C · Jun 2019

FloSports operates a direct-to-consumer live sports streaming service that launched in 2009 and concentrates on marginalized sports not regularly covered in traditional media. The platform has expanded to cover more than 20 sports, including track and field, wrestling, soccer, basketball, volleyball, rodeo and others. FloSports says it tapped into fans' passion for the sports they play and has inked or extended at least 250 media rights deals in the prior year to boost availability and create content about key matches and athletes. The company recently signed a four-year, seven-figure partnership with the Colonial Athletic Association to cover the league's 22 sports. Management says it will use the new funding to broaden existing coverage and expand into new verticals to further enrich underserved sports communities. Operating metrics reported include subscriber numbers and annual recurring revenue both growing by more than 50% year over year, with net subscriber growth through Q1 2019 exceeding all subscriber growth in 2018. FloSports is a direct-to-consumer, subscription-based sports media company that livestreams premier events, produces original programming, and runs weekly studio shows. It operates a network of 14 dedicated verticals including wrestling, track, grappling, MMA, elite fitness, boxing, fastpitch softball, gymnastics, basketball, tennis, volleyball, cheerleading and eSports. This year the company launched four new sites — FloVolleyball, FloCombat, FloTennis and FloKO — and in recent months has livestreamed events such as the PGF National Championships, the World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship, Pan-American competitions and The Cheerleading Worlds. FloSports positions itself as a direct monetization partner for leagues, governing bodies and independent rights holders to help them monetize events and reach fans. The company says this approach allows it to serve millions of sports fans and to grow sports, athletes, events and communities. FloSports is based in Austin, Texas. Flocasts is an Austin, TX–based sports media property and events company co-founded in 2006 by Martin and Mark Floreani and Madhu Venkatesan. The company focuses on four primary verticals — Flotrack, Gymnastike, Flowrestling and the newly launched Floelite — that provide fans with live streaming of top events, original weekly web series, workouts and insider doc-series. It also creates and operates owned live events, including the Beer Mile World Championship, Who’s #1 wrestling competition and The Premiere League professional wrestling league. The company received $8M in funding from Causeway Media Partners. Flocasts intends to use the funds to expand and grow operations.

Led · Series B · Feb 2019

The Action Network is a Los Angeles–based sports media company that delivers premium storytelling and analysis, real-time odds, and in-depth information on betting markets. Launched in January 2018 and led by CEO Patrick Keane, the company offers a free mobile app (iOS and Android) and a website that lets users track bets, receive personalized alerts for picks, and see how much money is placed on each side of a wager. Its product suite emphasizes tools and analytics for sports bettors, including real-time odds and market data. The company said it will use the new funding to continue expanding its position as a sports betting media company. The Action Network was formed by The Chernin Group in October 2017 and operates from Los Angeles, CA.

Participated · Series A · Dec 2018

Moonbug acquires and distributes media content made for children, focusing on digital brands and IP. Headquartered in London, the company was launched earlier this year by René Rechtman and John Robson. Moonbug completed its first IP acquisition of Little Baby Bum, a children's sing-along show available on YouTube, Amazon and Netflix. One Little Baby Bum video has 2.1 billion views and the show has totaled 23 billion views across multiple platforms. With new funding, Moonbug plans to ramp up M&A to expand its portfolio and says it intends to acquire eight media businesses. The founders bring prior digital-studio and distribution experience from The Walt Disney Co., Paramount Pictures and HTC.