The sports event planning industry in Europe is vibrant and dynamic, driven by a wealth of activities ranging from large-scale tournaments to niche sporting events. Companies in this sector include event organizers, technology service providers, marketing agencies, and venue managers, all working collaboratively to create exceptional experiences. The industry offers event management services, ticketing solutions, and promotional campaigns to engage fans. With the rise of digital engagement and data analytics, sports event planning is evolving to incorporate technology, enhancing fan interactions and efficiency. As such, the industry is poised for continued growth and transformation, catering to an increasingly diverse audience.


The investors in this list represent a mix of corporate entities and venture capital firms, mostly headquartered in the UK and France. With a range of operational scales, from small startups to large corporate giants, these investors began their journeys between 1981 and 2015. In 2024 alone, they collectively participated in over 340 deal transactions aimed at reshaping the sports event planning ecosystem. Noteworthy among them are Crowdcube and Bpifrance, both of which are heavily invested in supporting sports-focused startups and innovative economic models in this exciting sector.


Top 15 Sports Event Planning Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the sports event planning context, including a significant investment in Sportihome, which raised 2 million euros to expand its offerings of accommodations for sports enthusiasts. This investment highlights Bpifrance's engagement in the sports sector, particularly in areas that support event planning and tourism related to sports activities.


2. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the sports event planning industry, including Playfinder, which raised significant amounts through equity crowdfunding in 2019 and 2020, and Homefans, which also secured funding in early 2020. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's role in supporting businesses that contribute to sports event planning and management.


3. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. In the context of sports event planning, Almi has made significant investments, including a leading role in the SEK3.7m funding round for World's Marathons, which focuses on creating a global marketplace for marathon events. Additionally, Almi has invested in Sportswik AB, a platform for sports analytics, and RaceOne, which is involved in event management for races. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to supporting the sports industry and its potential relevance in sports event planning.


4. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. In 2024 alone, Kima Ventures has made 50 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Pogoseat, which raised $2.3 million to expand its mobile app that enhances fan experiences at sporting events. They also participated in earlier funding rounds for Pogoseat, indicating a sustained interest in the sports event planning space. Additionally, their investment in ScorePlay, a B2B sports-tech SaaS company, highlights their focus on technology that supports sports events. These transactions illustrate Kima Ventures' commitment to fostering innovation within the sports event planning industry.


5. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, that specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made significant investments in the sports event planning context, including the acquisition of Silverstone Circuit, a renowned motorsport venue, and the NEC Group, which encompasses various venues and agencies associated with exhibitions and events. These transactions highlight LDC's commitment to enhancing growth and strategic initiatives within the sports and events sector.


6. Better Collective


Better Collective is a corporate investor based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2001. The company is a digital media powerhouse specializing in sports and esports content, operating a portfolio of media brands that engage sports fans and bettors through various content formats. Better Collective focuses on performance-based marketing and community building, providing valuable insights and resources for navigating the sports betting landscape. In 2023, Better Collective made significant strides in the sports media sector by acquiring Playmaker for $54 million and Playmaker Capital for $188 million, which is expected to enhance their media capabilities and expand their audience. These strategic acquisitions highlight their commitment to growing their influence in the sports industry, particularly in relation to sports events and betting.


7. Seedrs

  • Website: seedrs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: seedrs

Seedrs Limited (trading as Republic Europe) is a crowdfunding platform based in London, England, that connects investors with startups and businesses seeking capital. Founded in 2009, Seedrs specializes in equity crowdfunding, providing investment opportunities and advisory services to both individual investors and businesses. The platform has facilitated access to early-stage investments and serves as a marketplace for capital raising. Among its notable transactions, Seedrs has been involved in funding Race Space, which raised $136,590 in equity crowdfunding in October 2016, directly linking it to the sports event planning sector. Additionally, Seedrs has supported EventsCase, which raised $455,000 in a seed round in September 2016, further showcasing its engagement with event-related businesses. These transactions highlight Seedrs' role in supporting innovative companies within the sports and events industry.


8. Portugal Ventures


Portugal Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Porto, Portugal, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in startups with global ambitions, primarily located in Portugal, and provides both capital and strategic support to help these startups grow and scale their operations. Portugal Ventures focuses on innovative projects across various sectors, including technology and health. Notably, they have made investments in companies relevant to the sports event planning context, such as the Algarve International Race Track, which is directly involved in hosting motorsport events. Additionally, their repeated investments in Hoopers, a company that may be linked to sports or fitness, further highlights their engagement in the sports sector. Through these investments, Portugal Ventures plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in the sports industry as well.


9. CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA

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

CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA is a corporate investor based in Bremen, Germany, founded in 1999. The company specializes in ticketing services and event promotion, providing comprehensive ticketing solutions for concerts, festivals, and sports events. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, CTS EVENTIM operates a digital platform for ticket sales and collaborates with various promoters across multiple countries. Notable transactions include the acquisition of ARENA Management in 2012, which likely enhances their event management capabilities, and the acquisition of TicketOne in 2010, which solidified their presence in the Italian market. Additionally, their acquisition of simply-X in 2021 aimed to improve their access control segment, EVENTIM.Access, integrating advanced technology into their event management services. These strategic moves position CTS EVENTIM as a key player in the event planning industry, including sports events.


10. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. They focus on building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success. Notably, Index Ventures has been involved in significant transactions related to the sports event planning industry, such as their investments in Viagogo, an online ticket reseller that has raised substantial funding to expand its services in the sports ticketing market. They led a $30 million funding round for Viagogo in 2007 and participated in subsequent rounds, highlighting their commitment to the sports ticketing space. Additionally, their investment in Let’s Do This, which raised $5 million in 2019, further emphasizes their engagement with platforms that facilitate participation in sports events.


11. Edition Capital


Edition Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, specializing in the leisure industry. Founded in 2015, the firm provides capital and advisory services to ambitious leisure businesses, collaborating with entrepreneurs to enhance growth and shareholder wealth. Edition Capital has a notable portfolio that includes investments in companies like Mainstage Festivals, which focuses on organizing events, and Add to Event, a platform that connects event organizers with suppliers. Their investment in ULTRA X, a company that organizes endurance events, further highlights their engagement in the sports event planning context. By leveraging their expertise in the leisure market, Edition Capital offers unique access to investment opportunities that can significantly impact the sports event planning industry.


12. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a leading private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has made notable investments in the sports sector, including the acquisition of Dorna Sports, which manages MotoGP, and significant funding for Six Nations Rugby, Liga de Futbol Profesional, and Premiership Rugby. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic focus on delivering sustainable value and growth within the sports industry, particularly in event planning and management.


13. GL events

  • Website: gl-events.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: gl-events

GL events is an event management company founded in 1978, based in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, GL events specializes in organizing events, managing venues, and providing comprehensive exhibition services. Their expertise encompasses audiovisual services, stand construction, and energy solutions, ensuring successful and memorable events for their clients. Notably, GL events has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the event management sector. For instance, they acquired 70% of Slick Seating Systems, enhancing their offerings in seating solutions for events. Additionally, the acquisition of the Jaulin Group allowed them to strengthen their event services in the Île-de-France region. Their acquisition of Field & Lawn Ltd. further supports their growth in providing temporary structures for events, while their 60% stake in the Johannesburg Expo Centre positions them as a key player in managing one of Africa's largest exhibition parks, which hosts various events, including sports-related activities.


14. Informa

  • Website: informa.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: informa

Informa plc is a corporate investor based in London, England, specializing in publishing, business intelligence, and event management. Founded in 1998, Informa has grown to become a significant player in the events industry, with a workforce of over 10,000 employees. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its global events portfolio. Notably, Informa acquired Hobby Star Marketing in 2013, the organizer of Fan Expo Canada, which is a prominent event that connects fans with sports and entertainment. In 2017, they acquired Show Management, further expanding their expertise in organizing events. More recently, Informa has pursued larger acquisitions, such as the proposed acquisition of Ascential, known for events like Money20/20 and Cannes Lions, and the acquisition of Winsight, which enhances their event management capabilities. These transactions highlight Informa's active role in the event planning industry, including sports-related events.


15. Wpp

  • Website: wpp.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: wpp

WPP plc is a leading advertising and communications company based in London, England, founded in 1985. It provides a wide range of services including advertising, public relations, media buying, and market research, serving various industries to enhance brand visibility and connect with consumers. WPP has made significant strides in the sports sector through strategic acquisitions, including Global Sportnet, Prism Sport + Entertainment, and Two Circles, which focus on sports marketing and event planning. These acquisitions reflect WPP's dedication to expanding its influence in the sports industry, making it a key player in sports event planning and marketing.



Sports Event Planning Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
Better CollectiveCopenhagen, Denmark1001-500020011
SeedrsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020092
Portugal VenturesPorto, Porto, Portugal11-5020126
CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaABremen, Bremen, Germany1001-500019991
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
Edition CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020150
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
GL eventsLyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France1001-500019780
InformaLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19984
WppLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19852


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