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The sports marketing industry in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region involves a range of companies that promote sports teams, events, and brands. These firms offer services like event management, sponsorship deals, and digital marketing strategies focusing on enhancing fan engagement and brand visibility. As consumer habits shift towards digital platforms, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re's a noticeable growth in sports data analytics and technology-driven solutions. Companies adapt by integrating innovative strategies like personalized audience outreach and immersive experiences. Current trends indicate a robust future fueled by esports proliferation, sustainability initiatives and smart technology integration in sports promotion.

This list features a variety of investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region, including corporate behemoths and venture capitalists. Based in vibrant cities like Berlin, Zurich, and Munich, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors come from different backgrounds, ranging in size from small teams to thousands of employees. Founded anywhere from 1833 to 2018, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y collectively participated in numerous deals in 2024, with some like IBB Ventures engaging in as many as 18 investments. These financial players represent a mix of direct investment strategies targeting growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing sector, covering technology, event management, and more.

Top 18 Sports Marketing Investors in DACH

1. Sportradar

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Sportradar AG is a corporate investor based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, specializing in sports technology and data analytics. Founded in 2001, Sportradar has grown to become a key player in providing data solutions for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports, media, and betting industries. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its offerings in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing domain. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Synergy Sports enhances Sportradar's sports betting services in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S., while Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ purchase of Fresh Eight Ltd focuses on personalized messaging for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ betting and gaming market, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to improving customer engagement. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of IMG ARENA is set to furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports data market, indicating a robust strategy to integrate marketing and data solutions for sports organizations.

2. IBB Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn:

IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ necessary funding and support to thrive in competitive markets. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, IBB Ventures invested in sporTrade GmbH, a company that operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with sports-related ventures. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sectors, including influencer marketing through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in blogfoster, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing landscape.

3. Impulse VC

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Impulse VC is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in technological internet companies, providing funding to startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ technology sector to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m grow and develop Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir business models. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Impulse VC invested in Sports.ru, a sports news platform, which raised $3 million in Series A funding in March 2017. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in funding rounds for Buzzoole, a marketing technology platform, which raised significant amounts in Series A and convertible note rounds. While Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in Sports.ru indicate some involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus remains on technology and internet companies, which may not fully align with a dedicated sports marketing investment strategy.

4. Infront Sports & Media AG

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn:

Infront Sports & Media AG is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, specializing in sports marketing. Founded in 2003, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company focuses on managing media and marketing rights for international sports events, providing services such as sponsorship, media rights distribution, and sports broadcast production. Infront has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing sector through various acquisitions, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ purchase of DSM Sportwerbung GmbH, which enhances its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ football ground advertising market in Germany. Additionally, Infront acquired Hyrox, a company involved in mass participation and professional racing, and Threshold Sports, a UK-based sports events agency known for innovative outdoor challenges. These strategic acquisitions align with Infront's goal to expand its portfolio and enhance audience engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Infront has participated in funding rounds for companies like COPA90 and Videocites, demonstrating its active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing landscape.

5. CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bremen, Bremen, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA, founded in 1999 and based in Bremen, Germany, is a leading ticketing service and event promotion company. The firm specializes in providing ticketing solutions for a wide range of live entertainment, including concerts, festivals, and sports events. With a significant presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ event industry, CTS EVENTIM has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of TicketOne in 2010, which solidified its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Italian market, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of simply-X in 2021, aimed at improving access control and event management services. These acquisitions reflect CTS EVENTIM's commitment to expanding its service offerings and technological capabilities, making it a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing landscape by facilitating ticket sales and event management for sports events.

6. bmp Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

bmp Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth startups across various innovative sectors, providing not only financial resources but also strategic advisory services to help startups navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth journey. In 2022, bmp Ventures led a â‚�4M Series A funding round for Wingfield, a sportstech startup aimed at improving Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ experience for tennis players and facilities. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on technology and innovation. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions include investments in companies like X-Trade, although this is not directly related to sports, it showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment portfolio.

7. Ringier

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1833
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn:

Ringier AG is a prominent media company based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1833. It operates across various sectors, including media publishing, digital marketplaces, and technology solutions. With a diverse portfolio of brands, Ringier plays a significant role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media landscape across Europe and Africa. In recent years, Ringier has strategically focused on expanding its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports media sector. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of a majority stake in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Bulgarian Sportal Media Group and Digital Ventures OOD, aimed at enhancing its sports media presence. Additionally, Ringier invested £50m in LiveScore Group, a significant player in sports information and live scores. They also acquired Sportal365, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to sports media. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, through a joint venture, Ringier acquired Gazeta Sporturilor, a leading Romanian sports brand, which includes both its digital platform and print edition. These transactions highlight Ringier's active engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing industry, making it a relevant investor in this space.

8. HV Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn:

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over â‚�2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been involved in various funding rounds, notably for Urban Sports Club, a company that has raised significant capital to enhance its marketing and outreach in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ health and fitness sector. HV Capital participated in multiple rounds for Urban Sports Club, including a â‚�95 million funding round in December 2023 and an over â‚�80 million round in June 2021, both aimed at increasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company's market presence and promoting health and fitness through advertising. These transactions highlight HV Capital's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing landscape, particularly through its support of Urban Sports Club, which aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ goals of promoting sports and fitness activities.

9. Earlybird Venture Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 29
• LinkedIn:

Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1997, based in Germany, that specializes in investing in European technology innovators. With a focus on early-stage companies, Earlybird provides financial resources and strategic support, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital health and deep tech sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in OneFootball, a Berlin-headquartered football media platform that has raised significant funding, including a $300 million Series D round. This investment highlights Earlybird's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing space, as OneFootball is a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ football media landscape. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Madvertise, a mobile advertising leader, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in digital platforms that could intersect with sports marketing initiatives.

10. Wellington Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Wellington Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in life sciences, investing in early- and growth-stage companies to provide capital and strategic support. Their portfolio includes innovative startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutics and medical devices. Notably, Wellington Partners has invested in Tonsser, a football app that raised â‚�5.5M in Series A funding in December 2018, along with earlier seed rounds in 2016 and 2017. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, particularly in technology that supports sports participation and community building. While Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir primary focus remains on life sciences, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement with Tonsser indicates a potential interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing landscape.

11. Swiss Founders Fund

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Swiss Founders Fund is a venture capital fund based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, specializing in seed and early-stage investments. Founded in 2013, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fund focuses on building and supporting innovative startups globally, providing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ necessary capital and resources to grow and succeed. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in GotCourts, a Swiss sports startup that raised $1 million in seed funding to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Switzerland and expand into European markets. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in funding rounds for Coachbetter, a SportTech startup aimed at international growth and innovative technology development. These investments highlight Swiss Founders Fund's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, particularly in enhancing sports marketing through technology and innovative solutions.

12. Possible Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team size of 1-10 and has been active in making investments, with 9 recorded in 2024 alone. One of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable investments includes Sorare, which raised $10 million in a seed round in July 2020; Sorare is a fantasy sports platform that allows users to trade officially licensed digital player cards. AnoÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r significant investment was in Virtex Stadium, which raised $3.2 million in May 2022; this company focuses on creating virtual stadium experiences, enhancing fan engagement in sports. These transactions highlight Possible Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing landscape, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

13. Porsche Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Porsche Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Stuttgart, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including mobility, industrial technology, and sustainability. Notably, Porsche Ventures has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing arena, particularly through its planned acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Red Bull Racing Company and Red Bull Technology LTD, which are key players in Formula 1 racing. These acquisitions aim to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in motorsports and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of power units for racing cars. Additionally, Porsche Ventures has invested in Fanzone Media, a startup that likely focuses on enhancing fan engagement in sports, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing industry. Through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se strategic investments, Porsche Ventures not only provides capital but also leverages its extensive network to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ competitive sports marketing landscape.

14. APX Talent Pool

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

APX Talent Pool is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, founded in 2018, that specializes in earliest-stage investments in startups with digital business models. Backed by prominent entities such as Axel Springer and Porsche, APX provides funding and growth assistance to ambitious pre-seed startups, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of launching and scaling Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Track Titan, which raised $1,200,000 in a Seed Round in January 2023 and $600,000 in a Pre-Seed Round in March 2022. Track Titan focuses on sports technology, which aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing industry, showcasing APX's engagement in this sector.

15. German Startups Group VC GmbH

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

German Startups Group VC GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in providing investment and financial services to startups and growth-stage companies across various industries, including technology and e-commerce. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in sporTrade GmbH, an online sports equipment marketplace, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in funding rounds for companies like Remerge and TVSmiles, focusing on mobile app marketing and advertising platforms, respectively. While Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se transactions are not directly related to sports marketing, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment in sporTrade demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir potential interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry.

16. ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1866
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. It offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, and serves both consumers and businesses globally with a commitment to sustainability. Notably, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé has made significant acquisitions that align with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing sector. In 2000, it acquired PowerBar for $375 million, a brand well-known for its energy bars and nutritional products aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts. More recently, in 2021, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé Health Science acquired Nuun, a leader in functional hydration, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r enhancing its portfolio of active lifestyle nutrition brands. These transactions highlight ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé's strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports and fitness market, making it a relevant player in sports marketing.

17. adidas

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1949
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Adidas is a leading sportswear manufacturer and retailer based in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1949. The company specializes in athletic footwear and apparel, catering to athletes, sports teams, and consumers. Adidas is committed to innovation and sustainability, focusing on enhancing performance and creating engaging team environments. Notably, Adidas has made strategic investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing landscape, including a Series C investment in OneFootball, which raised over $20 million to connect fans with football content. They also participated in a Series B funding round for PlayVS, an official platform for high school esports, securing $30.5 million to promote esports in educational settings. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Adidas has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions, such as Reebok International and TaylorMade Golf, reinforcing its influence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry.

18. COI Partners

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

COI Partners is an investment firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, specializing in growth capital and private equity investments in medium-sized enterprises within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region. Founded in 2001, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide direct investments and fund management services aimed at helping businesses achieve Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth ambitions. While COI Partners primarily focuses on sectors such as IT services and quick-service food, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have also ventured into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing domain. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y made a significant investment in Freaks 4U Gaming, securing â‚�15 million as part of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir first equity investment in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ esports and gaming sector. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports marketing industry, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rapidly expanding esports market. Additionally, COI Partners has invested in Keller Sports, an online retailer that operates within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in sports-related investments.

Sports Marketing Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland	1001-5000	2001	1
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	18
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2013	1
	Zug, Zug, Switzerland	501-1000	2003	0
	Bremen, Bremen, Germany	1001-5000	1999	1
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	3
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	5001-10000	1833	0
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
	Germany	51-200	1997	29
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1998	9
	St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland	1-10	2013	4
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2021	9
	Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	11-50	2018	9
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2018	7
	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	11-50	2012	0
	Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland	10001+	1866	2
	Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany	10001+	1949	1
	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	11-50	2001	0

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