Table of Contents

• They’re not “teams” anymore

• Inflation and stocks: What should you know to buil …

• Top Tickers

• Inside the engine room: Debunking the myths of sca …

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They’re not “teams” anymore

George Pyne (Bruin Capital) says that traditional vocabulary could damage the ‘perceived value’ of sports assets

George Pyne argues that traditional terminology is limiting the perceived value of sports assets. Today's sports enterprises are no longer just teams; they are multi-faceted businesses resembling Fortune 500 companies, driven by innovation and diversified revenue streams.

George emphasizes the need to reframe sports entities as technology hybrids, media companies, and data-driven consumer platforms. This shift in language is crucial for educating potential investors and unlocking substantial capital. With media rights secured for the next decade, the focus must shift to identifying new growth opportunities beyond traditional revenue streams.

Examples of this transformation include:

• Monumental Sports & Entertainment (holding company for the likes of Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics): Acquired NBC Sports Washington, creating a comprehensive media network and production company.

• Kroenke Sports & Entertainment: Leveraged the LA Rams’ SoFi Stadium to anchor a massive mixed-use development at Hollywood Park.

• Paris Saint-Germain F.C.: Expanded into fashion and consumer products through strategic partnerships with brands like Dior and Air Jordan.

By adopting a forward-thinking vocabulary, we can better communicate the immense value and potential of these modern sports entities, attracting new investment and driving growth.

As Vivek Ranadivé, the owner of the Sacramento Kings highlights, innovation and rebranding can revolutionize fan engagement and business potential. It's time for the industry to embrace this paradigm shift. He said: “We have further ignited our fanbase, continued to build international excitement and revolutionized our business”.

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Inflation and stocks: What should you know to build your investment portfolio?

An exclusive study by the University of Frankfurt dispels a stock market myth, concluding anyone who hedges their investments with an ETF on the MSCI World is not doing enough.

In the turbulent world of finance, certain beliefs offer a semblance of stability to investors. One such conviction is the idea that stocks act as a reliable shield against inflation. This notion, however, has recently been challenged by an exclusive study from the University of Frankfurt. The study’s findings indicate that relying solely on stocks, or even broadly diversified ETFs like the MSCI World, may not provide the inflation protection many investors expect. This revelation has significant implications for investment strategies, particularly in an era of rising inflation.

The revelation that stocks do not inherently protect against inflation challenges a fundamental tenet of investment strategy. Investors must rethink their reliance on traditional equity investments and consider more diversified approaches. By incorporating a broader range of assets and geographies, they can better safeguard their portfolios against the eroding effects of inflation.

The study from Frankfurt underscores the importance of a well-rounded investment strategy. A portfolio that balances stocks from various regions and includes commodities like gold can offer more stability and resilience against inflation.

Finally, it should be noted that the study authors consider the attempt to predict inflation at the right time and then reallocate in time to be pure luck. "The market often simply prices in rising or falling inflation too early," the researchers explain.

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Top Tickers

Some of the most active and relevant securities and quotes (compared to previous day's closing price)

Inside the engine room: Debunking the myths of scaling a new business

Demystifying the narrative around five fundamental elements will help startups and scale-ups grow efficiently and continuously.

The recent publication “From startup to centaur: Leadership lessons on scaling” uses insights from McKinsey research on successful software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies to highlight the tactics these startups used to scale and excel. These lessons aren’t exclusive to SaaS companies; startups and scale-ups in any industry can use these techniques to be successful.

Based on this research, five elements of an engine room prevailed as the most essential for successful scaling journeys:

• the ability to overinvest in attracting and developing talent (prioritize attracting and nurturing top talent. Invest in continuous skill development to create a resilient and adaptable team),

• to adapt and pivot to optimize product–market fit (embrace continuous evolution. Successful startups pivot proactively, not just in response to challenges),

• to set a clear plan for growth (a structured strategy isn't just for large companies. Develop a clear roadmap for growth, aligning the entire organization around it),

• to organize for scale (balance immediate goals with long-term aspirations. Build an operating model that prepares for sudden demand spikes and future opportunities),

• and to establish multiple growth engines (diversify growth strategies. Expand across geographies, product lines, and partnerships to maintain momentum).

However, these five core elements often seem overly complicated due to the common myths attached to scaling startups—that they’re near-sighted and shoot from the hip, for example.

McKinsey’s piece expounds on these engine room essentials and dispels the five myths that mystify building a new business to offer invaluable lessons on scaling for founder CEOs and startups in any industry—as well as for venture capitalists (VCs) and growth investors who want to learn how scalable a potential investment opportunity is and what growing pains the investment may experience once it becomes part of the portfolio.

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Giorgia Villa, Italy's star gymnast, brought home more than just a silver medal from the Paris Olympics. Her unique sponsorship with Parmigiano Reggiano has made waves across the internet. Giorgia’s love for this iconic cheese isn't just a commercial act; it's a heartfelt partnership that celebrates Italian culture.

Giorgia’s contribution to Italy’s first women's gymnastics team medal in nearly a century was a historic achievement. Her infectious enthusiasm for Parmigiano Reggiano, showcased through playful social media posts, has resonated widely. Whether posing with cheese wheels or enjoying a snack mid-routine, Giorgia’s genuine connection with her sponsor adds a delightful twist to her Olympic success.

Her statement captures the essence of this collaboration: “Since I was a child I have always loved this fantastic product, a symbol of Italian excellence and culture. Collaborating with Parmigiano Reggiano makes me extremely proud and charged to face future challenges!”

Really an interesting collaboration. Btw, I studied in Milano. Parmesan, Caffè, Italian culture… Love it!

Have a great weekend!

Irg

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