Como 1907 Partners with The Players Fund to Launch Startup Accelerator

Como 1907 has formally launched Como Ventures, a startup accelerator program developed in partnership with The Players Fund, the athlete-led venture capital platform. The initiative will provide early-stage companies with a six-month activation inside the club, culminating in a Demo Day designed to connect founders with investors, sponsors, and media.

Companies selected by Como 1907 operators and The Players Fund’s investment team will gain access to the club’s brand, local infrastructure, and fan community. The partnership is positioned to validate startups in live environments while offering The Players Fund a direct pipeline of new ventures.

Chief Revenue Officer at Como 1907, Ryan Shelton, said the program is “a natural extension of what makes this club unique,” emphasising the combination of Lake Como’s cultural appeal with athlete and investor networks at a global scale.

Beyond the accelerator, The Players Fund will also advise Como 1907 on wider innovation and investment opportunities, ensuring the club remains aligned with emerging trends across sport, media, and culture.

Describing the partnership as a “flywheel” that benefits both parties, Head of Corporate Venture at The Players Fund, Andy Marston, added: “It surfaces and validates startups for The Players Fund while giving Como a front-row seat to breakthrough innovation.”

The launch of Como Ventures reflects a broader trend of football clubs moving beyond traditional revenue streams and embracing entrepreneurship as a core part of their strategy. By positioning itself as a platform for startup validation, Como 1907 is seeking to diversify its portfolio, attract investment, and build global visibility.

Founded in 1907, Como 1907 was reborn under Djarum Group ownership in 2017 and secured promotion to Serie A in 2024. The club continues to leverage its heritage, cultural identity, and strategic partnerships to strengthen its position on and off the pitch.

The Players Fund, meanwhile, has established itself as the world’s largest athlete-led venture capital platform, comprising hundreds of current and former professionals who invest in early-stage companies across sport, technology, and lifestyle sectors.

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