Unlocking Investment Opportunities in the Business of Sport
The global sports industry is more than a game; it’s a $500B+ business. From minority stakes in elite teams to cutting-edge sports tech, Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are creating new ways for investors to access opportunities once reserved for billionaires and institutions.
Meet the panellists:
Gessica Howarth is Vice President and a founding member of Sphera Partners, a growth equity firm accelerating women’s sport while delivering strong returns and advancing social equality. She began her career at Goldman Sachs before moving into private equity with Rutland Partners and CBPE Capital. A Mathematics graduate from Oxford, she is passionate about driving systemic change through sport and is a member of Level 20, supporting women in PE/VC.
Samir Ceric is an investor, entrepreneur, and senior executive recognised for pioneering the digitalisation of the sports industry. A former elite athlete and football club chairman, he has championed innovations in fan engagement, sustainability, MedTech, and AI in sport. He recently launched a global sports investment platform and is Chairman of Ceric & Co, a 7th-generation family office built on values of trust, creativity, and principled leadership.
Ruari Bell, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, is the founder of The Players Fund, the UK’s first athlete-led venture capital firm. Backed by a global network of 800+ athletes and co-investing with top-tier VCs like Andreessen Horowitz and Seedcamp, the fund focuses on early-stage tech across the US and Europe. Its portfolio includes Seat Unique, Hana Kuma, Prosper, TMRW Sport, and Whoop.
Attila Tóth is co-founder and chief strategist of Cognitive Creators, a digital consultancy specialising in digital due diligence and value creation. With transformation experience across 27 countries and 14 industries, he advises family offices, PE and VC funds on quantifying digital risks and value in deals. A former elite cyclist and author of Hyper: The Untold Story of Marketing Data (2024), he helps organisations unlock growth through innovative digital models.
Join our panel of investors, dealmakers, and sports industry insiders as we explore:
Setting the Scene – why sports are emerging as a powerful asset class
SPVs in Sport Investments – how they work and where they fit in the market
Digital Due Diligence – how technology is transforming investment evaluation
Future Outlook – the trends shaping tomorrow’s sports investment landscape
Whether you’re an experienced investor or simply curious about turning passion for sport into strategic capital, this session will show you how to move from the side-lines into the action.
📅 7 October, 6:00 PM
📍 HEC Paris UK House, 43 Parker Street, London (Holborn Tube)