The Profluence Pod 🌐

The Future of Sports Coverage is Here! Today's guest is David Shapiro, and we’re diving into how Pixellot has become the biggest sports production platform in the world!

INTENNSE is redefining professional team tennis with a fresh approach to competition, player engagement, and expansion. With $4M already secured and plans for a Friends & Family round and a formal raise in 2025, CEO Charles Allen is building a sustainable, fan-first league backed by strategic partnerships and smart capital allocation.

Maxx MGMT, founded in 2018, is a boutique agency disrupting the athlete representation industry by offering tailored, off-the-field management services. From endorsements and marketing to lifestyle and business opportunities, Maxx MGMT connects its clients with global brands while helping them explore equity deals, real estate, and diversified partnerships. The agency’s mission is to provide 24/7 representation with a personable approach, empowering athletes to reach their full potential beyond the game.

Maxx Lepselter, the founder and president of Maxx MGMT, created the agency to address the shortcomings of traditional representation. Inspired by his father’s legacy and his deep understanding of the sports and entertainment industries, Maxx has built a reputation for integrity, innovation, and excellence. His focus on personalized client relationships and his ability to navigate the evolving sports marketing landscape have positioned Maxx MGMT as a trusted name in the industry.

In this episode, Maxx dives into his entrepreneurial journey, the rise of equity opportunities for athletes, and the trends shaping brand collaborations. He shares how Maxx MGMT has remained boutique while managing high-profile clients and global partnerships. Tune in for insights into the agency’s approach and advice for aspiring agents aiming to make a difference in sports management.

Chapters:(02:42) - The Founding of Maxx MGMT(05:25) - Navigating the Changing Sports Landscape(08:33) - Trends in Athlete Marketing and Brand Collaborations(11:10) - The Rise of Equity Opportunities for Athletes(14:10) - Developing Talent in a New Era(16:49) - Building Relationships in the Brand Ecosystem(19:33) - The Future of Maxx MGMT and Advice for Aspiring Agents

Maxx Lepselter

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxx-lepselter-9ba82998/

🏠 Website: https://www.maxxmgmt.co/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

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This month’s panel explored the evolving trend of multi-club ownership in sports—a transformative model shaping the future of sports investments. The discussion delved into opportunities, challenges, and strategic insights in this dynamic space. Key topics included the rise of alternative leagues, the influence of celebrities in ownership, real estate and stadium development, and sustainability in sports investments.

The panel featured insights from:

Brett Johnson, Founder & CEO of Benevolent Capital, a leader in sports investments.

Sandford Loudon, Partner at Oakvale Capital LLP, an expert in investment banking and sports advisory.

The discussion offered valuable perspectives on the current landscape and the future of sports ownership strategies.

Chapters:

(02:52) Brett Johnson's Journey in Soccer Ownership

(05:31) Sandford Loudon's Insights on Investment Banking in Sports

(08:14) The Rise of Alternative Leagues and Their Appeal

(11:18) The Role of Celebrities in Sports Ownership

(14:03) Real Estate and Stadium Development in Sports

(16:44) The Multi-Club Ownership Model: Opportunities and Challenges

(19:47) The Future of USL and Player Development

(28:43) Investing in Women's Football

(33:14) Sustainability in Sports Investments

(38:22) Minority Stakes in Sports Teams

(42:37) Future Opportunities in Sports Investment

Connect with the Panelists:

Brett Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-m-johnson-70b148/

Sandford Loudon:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandford-loudon-frsa-4925a621/

Hosts:

Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

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Founded in 2018 to streamline the connection between sports events and host venues, Playeasy has grown into the leading sports tourism platform in the United States. Today, it connects over 300 cities, 14,000 sports facilities, 5,000 sports events, 20,000 restaurants and attractions, and 13,000 hotels.

Playeasy supports destinations, event operators, and visitors at every stage of the sports tourism life cycle—from event venue selection and visitor experiences to post-event economic impact reporting. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI, Playeasy is transforming how cities engage with travelers and redefining the sports tourism experience.

Brendan Doyle, President of US Sports Camps (USSC), has been at the forefront of youth sports in the USA for over 30 years. A seasoned leader with deep roots in the soccer industry, Brendan oversees the largest sports camp network in America and the licensed provider of Nike Sports Camps. Since 1975, USSC has been dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of athletics through high-quality sports education and skill enhancement programs.

Under Brendan’s leadership, USSC has expanded its impact by partnering with top coaches across the nation, providing essential operational and marketing support to deliver exceptional camp experiences. As part of Youth Enrichment Brands (YEB), Brendan also oversees initiatives in academic and creative enrichment, empowering kids through diverse programs like i9 Sports, Streamline Brands, and School of Rock.

In this episode, Brendan shares his journey in youth sports, insights into USSC’s operations and partnership model, and his vision for the future of youth enrichment. We also explore the evolving landscape of youth camps and how Brendan’s innovative approach is shaping the next generation of athletes.

Chapters:

(02:52) - Brendan's Journey in Youth Sports

(05:32) - Overview of US Sports Camps Operations

(08:21) - Partnership Model and Camp Management

(11:11) - Youth Enrichment Brands Portfolio

(14:03) - Evaluating and Onboarding New Partners

(16:46) - Changes in the Camp Space Over the Years

(19:57) - Future Plans and Expansion for US Sports Camps

Brendan Doyle:

🌐 Website: https://www.ussportscamps.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-doyle-a01a0551/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new episodes.

Vasu Kulkarni, the self-proclaimed biggest basketball fan in the world, turned his passion for the game into a groundbreaking career. After playing on the JV Basketball squad at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned a BS in Engineering, Vasu founded Krossover, a sports analytics company that sold video and data tools to sports teams globally. Pioneering the industry, Vasu eventually sold Krossover to Stack Sports in 2017.

His entrepreneurial journey led him to found Courtside Ventures, a leading early-stage venture fund investing in tech and media companies at the intersection of sports, lifestyle, and gaming. Under his leadership, Courtside Ventures has become a trailblazer, backing innovative companies shaping the future of these spaces.

In this episode, Vasu shares his journey from founder to investor, insights on evaluating early-stage companies, and the evolving definition of sports investments. We also dive into his passions for sports memorabilia, independent watches, and pickup basketball on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where he lives with his three cats: Swaggy, Bonsai, and Honkeyburger.

Chapters:

(01:08) - Vasu’s Journey from Engineer to Sports Entrepreneur

(04:40) - Transitioning to Venture Capital: Lessons from Krossover

(09:25) - Key Investment Insights: Market Size and Founder Qualities

(13:11) - Redefining Sports Investments: Tech, Media, and Gaming

(18:10) - Navigating Crypto and Web3 in the Sports World

(21:13) - Consumer Behavior: How Courtside Ventures Spots Trends

(24:03) - Emerging Leagues and Innovative Business Models

(29:40) - Future Directions for Courtside Ventures

Vasu Kulkarni:

🌐 Website: https://www.courtsidevc.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasudevkulkarni/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new episodes.

Full Pull Entertainment was founded in 2021 to transform the niche sport of truck and tractor pulling. Co-founded by Chase Richardson, a passionate entrepreneur, the company is reshaping the pulling experience with innovative fan engagement platforms, a cutting-edge content portal, and Real Money Gaming initiatives. Through partnerships with leading organizations in the pulling space, Full Pull is on a mission to bring this motorsport—rooted in rural American culture for over 75 years—to new, mainstream audiences.

Chase’s journey is a testament to blending entrepreneurial vision with a deep appreciation for niche sports. From the adrenaline-filled roar of engines to the cheers of loyal fans, truck and tractor pulling offers a unique experience. Under Chase's leadership, Full Pull is revolutionizing the sport with new ways for fans to connect, interact, and engage.

In this episode, Chase shares insights on his path to becoming a sports entrepreneur, the challenges of building a platform in a niche space, and how Full Pull is positioning the sport for long-term growth. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or a budding entrepreneur, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about sports and fan engagement.

Chapters:

(2:28) - Understanding Track and Tractor Pulling

(5:29) - Chase's journey from Basketball to Pulling

(8:23) - The Media and Gaming Landscape of Pulling

(11:27) - Building a Streaming Platform for Pulling

(14:34) - Targeting new Audiences and Fans

(17:43) - The Impact of Legalizing Gambling and Niche Sports

(20:25) - Future Plans and Expansion Strategies

Chase Richardson

🏠 Website: https://www.fullpull.us/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-richardson-42ab68113/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts. 

SailGP was founded in 2019 by Oracle’s Larry Ellison and legendary sailor Sir Russell Coutts to bring the excitement of high-performance sailing to mainstream audiences. Known as "The F1 of the Water," SailGP features 10 national teams racing F50 foiling catamarans at speeds of up to 60 mph in stadium-style events near shorelines worldwide.

Mike Buckley, a two-time world champion sailor, is the CEO of the United States SailGP Team. Last year, he led the largest team acquisition in league history with co-owners Ryan McKillen and Margaret McKillen. Under their leadership, the U.S. SailGP Team has attracted a diverse group of investors, including Issa Rae, Deontay Wilder, Marc Lasry, and more.

In this episode, Mike discusses his journey from athlete to entrepreneur and how SailGP is redefining sailing as a media and entertainment platform. He shares insights on building a competitive team, navigating challenges, and the innovative strategies fueling SailGP's rapid growth. Don’t miss this exciting conversation about the future of sailing and sports entrepreneurship.

Chapters:

0:50 - Sailing Culture Shift: Making it Cool

2:50 - The Role of Athletes and Team Dynamics

6:11 - Marketing and Education: Growing the Audience

9:02 - Sailing vs. Other Sports: A Unique Perspective

12:10 - Building a Competitive Team: Strategies and Challenges

14:59 - Behind the Scenes: Organizational Structures and Community Engagement

17:56 - Team Development in Sailing

20:59 - The Future of Sailing

24:00 - Engaging with Fans: Social Media and Interaction

Mike Buckley:

🌐 Website: https://sailgp.com/

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-buckley-aa947a1a9/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.Thanks for watching! Be sure to “subscribe” for the latest episodes.

Shamrock Capital recently closed $1.6B for its sixth flagship fund and inaugural small cap fund to continue investing across sports media and entertainment. Shamrock Capital, with over 45 years of deep sector expertise, is a premier private equity firm specializing in media, entertainment, sports, content, communication, and education. Built on legendary roots and a reputation for excellence, Shamrock has cultivated lasting partnerships with creators, management teams, and entrepreneurs. The firm is committed to strategically investing in businesses that are poised to shape the future of their industries. Shamrock’s portfolio spans a variety of high-impact companies, from content creators and sports organizations to media platforms and marketing agencies.

With a 23-year track record, Shamrock Capital has consistently identified opportunities in high-growth sectors. Notable investments include Religion of Sports, FanDuel, and Excel Sports Management. The firm is also behind landmark deals with organizations such as The Lede Company, Ad Results Media, and Boardwalk Pictures. By leveraging decades of expertise and fostering innovation, Shamrock has positioned itself as a key player in driving transformation across its focus areas.

Michael LaSalle, a Partner and member of Shamrock’s Executive Committee, has been instrumental in guiding the firm’s investments and strategy. A veteran with over two decades of experience, Mike serves on the boards of several portfolio companies, including The Lede Company, Iyuno, and Linden. His background includes key roles in mergers and acquisitions at Putnam Lovell Securities and board leadership at Seven Arrows Elementary. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mike also earned an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he was a Venture Fellow. His expertise and leadership continue to shape Shamrock’s contributions to the media, sports, and entertainment industries.

Chapters:

(2:58) - The Dynamic of Fundraising in Private Equity

(6:09) - Understanding Shamrock’s Structures and Strategies

(9:02) - Evolving Strategies in Media, Entertainment, and Sports

(12:08) - Identifying Opportunities in the Content Landscape

(15:06) - The Power of Talent in the Entertainment Industry

(18:04) - Navigating Exits and Investment Timelines

(21:07) - Current Trends in Media and Sports Investments

(23:48) - Advice for Aspiring Private Equity Professionals

(26:53) - Looking Ahead: Trends for 2025 and Beyond

Michael LaSalle

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellasalle/

🏢 Website: https://shamrockcap.com/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.