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ABOUT US
We are sport and technology experts that partner with sport tech companies to help them reach the next level. Our focus is on B2B companies which have proven their concept and are ready to scale. We are both consultants and investors.
STRONG SUPPORT
01
We support with business development, opening up our network among the largest sports clubs, institutions, and brands
02
We provide access to new markets through our global footprint across North America, Europe, Latam and Asia
03
We guide major strategic decisions through our in-depth understanding of the sports industry
04
We provide growth capital through our own investment vehicles as well as vehicles of other sports tech investors from our network
MANAGEMENT TEAM
OUR STORY
The origins of Mindspring Capital date back to 1992 when our Managing Partner and founder Craig Thompson joined TEAM Marketing to help start the UEFA Champions League. He was on a team of 7 and managed to set the strategy for the new league where rapid growth ensued. They were soon engaged with big brands - SONY, Heineken, Ford, MasterCard, and Adidas. Their broadcasters were the biggest in their markets including - ITV, RTL, TVE, RTI, TF1, Globo, and ESPN.
Over the first 25 years of the Champions League he worked intimately with the top tier European clubs, leagues and federations, and has been in deep relationships with 200 of the best teams, plus their Leagues and FA’s.
After the success of the Champions League, Craig left to start exciting new projects such as the Champions Hockey League, and later became the CEO of the 34ths America’s Cup. Throughout his career he saw many tech startups making their impact on the sports industry.
It all came together during his time at the America’s Cup, when he had the opportunity to work with Tom Perkins. Tom is one of the Silicon Valley venture capital movement godfathers and created Kleiner Perkins, the legendary VC firm. During their time together, Tom suggested to Craig: "You are a sports guy, have you seen all the sports tech start-ups in the valley? They all have one thing in common - they don't know much about sports - you should go and help them."
That insight inspired Craig to seek out experts from all over the world to join him in creating Mindspring Capital.
