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Elysian Park Ventures is a global investment platform founded in 2014 by the ownership group of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, New York, and London. Elysian Park Ventures focuses on reshaping the sports industry through strategic investments in companies that entertain, inform, and celebrate sports.
Currently, Elysian Park Ventures manages a diverse portfolio of over 50 companies and operates with a stage-agnostic investment approach, making investments from seed to growth equity stages. The firm has established itself as a significant player in the sports investment landscape, backed by the financial strength and influence of the Dodgers ownership group, which is valued at over $5 billion.
Notable milestones include the launch of the LA Dodgers Accelerator in 2015, the world's first sports tech accelerator, and the establishment of the Trailblazer women's sports venture studio in partnership with Billie Jean King Enterprises. These initiatives reflect the firm's commitment to innovation and inclusivity in the sports sector.
Elysian Park Ventures invests across multiple sectors where sports intersect with life, including healthcare, commerce, media, artificial intelligence, fintech, and consumer products. The firm emphasizes the 'Sports+' investment thesis, which encompasses sports and culture, sports and technology, sports and health, and sports and commerce. This broad focus allows Elysian Park Ventures to identify and capitalize on opportunities that enhance the sports experience and its related industries.
The firm is stage-agnostic, investing amounts ranging from $500,000 to $100 million. This flexibility enables Elysian Park Ventures to support companies at various stages of development, from early seed rounds to later growth equity investments. The geographic focus is global, with particular emphasis on North America and the United Kingdom, allowing the firm to tap into diverse markets and trends.
In evaluating potential investments, Elysian Park Ventures seeks founders who demonstrate a strong vision and the ability to innovate within the sports sector. The firm prefers to structure deals that allow for collaboration and co-investment opportunities, leveraging its extensive network within the sports industry.
Elysian Park Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of over 50 companies that reflect its commitment to the intersection of sports and various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Other companies in their portfolio span ticketing, health wearables, esports media, and more, showcasing the firm's dedication to the 'Sports+' investment thesis. This diverse range of investments highlights Elysian Park Ventures' strategy to support companies that are reshaping the sports industry through innovation and technology.
Cole Van Nice - Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Cole has extensive experience in venture capital and private equity, focusing on sports-related investments.
Jay Adya - Managing Partner. Jay has a background in technology investments and has led several successful funding rounds in the sports sector.
Nikhil Bahel - Managing Partner. Nikhil specializes in growth equity investments and has a strong track record in scaling sports-related startups.
Pete Vlastelica - Managing Partner. Pete has a background in media and sports, contributing to the firm's focus on sports and culture.
Ami Galani - Team Member. Ami supports investment analysis and portfolio management.
Royce Cohen - Team Member. Royce focuses on market research and identifying emerging trends in the sports industry.
Max Feldstein - Team Member. Max assists with operational support for portfolio companies.
Erin Storck - Team Member. Erin is involved in marketing and communications for the firm.
Luke Kurtz - Team Member. Luke supports deal sourcing and due diligence processes.
Brendan Bilko - Team Member. Brendan focuses on financial analysis and reporting.
Ilse Paanakker - Team Member. Ilse assists with administrative tasks and investor relations.
Erica Annon - Team Member. Erica is involved in community engagement and partnership development.
To pitch Elysian Park Ventures, founders should visit their website at elysianpark.ventures or email hello@elysianpark.ventures. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Elysian Park Ventures operates several initiatives aimed at fostering innovation in the sports industry. These include:
These programs reflect Elysian Park Ventures' commitment to supporting diverse aspects of the sports industry and fostering growth through strategic partnerships.
In recent months, Elysian Park Ventures has continued to expand its portfolio, focusing on investments that align with its 'Sports+' thesis. The firm has made over 50 investments since its inception, including notable companies like SeatGeek and Oura. The firm remains active in promoting its investment strategy and portfolio focus through its website.
Additionally, Elysian Park Ventures has been involved in initiatives such as the LA Dodgers Accelerator and the Trailblazer women's sports venture studio, further solidifying its commitment to innovation in the sports sector. The firm is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities within the global sports industry.
What are Elysian Park Ventures' investment criteria?
Elysian Park Ventures invests in companies at the intersection of sports and various sectors, including health, culture, commerce, and technology. They are stage-agnostic, making investments from seed to growth equity stages, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $100 million.
How can I apply or pitch to Elysian Park Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas by visiting the Elysian Park Ventures website at elysianpark.ventures or by emailing hello@elysianpark.ventures. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Elysian Park Ventures different from other VC firms?
The firm is uniquely positioned due to its backing from the ownership group of the Los Angeles Dodgers, providing unparalleled access to the sports industry. This connection allows Elysian Park Ventures to influence and validate investments within the sports sector effectively.
What is the geographic scope of Elysian Park Ventures?
Elysian Park Ventures operates globally, with a strong focus on North America and the United Kingdom. Their offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and London enable them to tap into diverse markets and trends.
What is Elysian Park Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
The firm actively supports its portfolio companies by providing access to its extensive network within the sports industry, facilitating partnerships, and offering resources for growth and innovation.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Elysian Park Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $100 million, depending on the stage of the company and the specific investment opportunity.
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