BUSINESS NETWORK

The GSIC has created an international network of members to improve commercial opportunities, alliances, identification of synergies, business opportunities, and internationalization. Our center is now a meeting point for supply and demand in real time. In the GSIC you will find several of the leading companies linked to the sports sector, technology companies, entrepreneurs and universities that can detect synergies and create collaborative projects. The main objective of this network is to lead and add value to the digital transformation process of the sports industry.

BUSINESS NETWORK

The GSIC has created an international network of members to improve commercial opportunities, alliances, identification of synergies, business opportunities, and internationalization. Our center is now a meeting point for supply and demand in real time. In the GSIC you will find several of the leading companies linked to the sports sector, technology companies, entrepreneurs and universities that can detect synergies and create collaborative projects. The main objective of this network is to lead and add value to the digital transformation process of the sports industry.

BECOME A MEMBER

Join the international ecosystem of clubs, federations, companies, public and private institutions, universities, investors and sports industry stakeholders

41

Countries

230

Members

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Tech startups looking to scale up their products
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Small and Medium companies trust us to enhance their businesses
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Strategic partners innovation leaders in sports industry
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Institutions collaborating on applied research
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Good practices carried out

Strategic Partners

GSIC Ambassadors

Abhishek Padwal

ABHISHEK PADWAL is a seasoned Cross-Border Trade professional and an Indian Sports Economy expert. Mr Padwal brings in cross-industry experience from the Indian market having provided expertise in sectors including Sports, Health & Wellness, Food & Agri, Retail / Ecommerce, Real Estate & Infrastructure.
Mr Padwal has been particularly active in the India-Australia trade corridor for over a decade and specialises in facilitating sports-related business, technology and education engagements between the two regions. He has a high level of aptitude in navigating the sports landscape in India and facilitating and developing relationships with government, sports federations and sports tech start-ups. He has recently been appointed the India Ambassador role for Microsoft’s Global Sport Innovation Centre based in Madrid.
Mr Padwal holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from Pune University (India) and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Queensland (Australia).

CEO - SPSG Consulting

Carlos Canto

Carlos is the CEO of SPSG Consulting, a boutique consulting firm specialized in Sports, Entertainment and Sponsorships. Previously, he used to work at IMG for 10+ years as VicePresident of the Consulting division, and afterwards, 2,5 years at Lagardère Sports, also as VicePresident of the Consulting Division. He has lead projects in 23 countries. In addition, he is a “Sport Business” professor at ESADE Business School, Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid and LaLiga Business School, and a “Sponsorship – Partnership” professor at IE – Instituto de Empresa. He has had the opportunity to lecture MBA students from Columbia University, Wharton University and Georgetown University, among other in Sports Business topics. Moreover, he is a Member of the Board of the Spanish Marketing Association (where he leads the “Sport” chapter), and Member of the Advisory Board of WFS-World Football Summit.

CEO & Founder - InStudio Ventures

Danny Cortenraede

Danny is currently the President at Wannahaves Inc. and 433 where he is responsible for providing the strategic direction of their NYC office.
Danny built his reputation as a global serial entrepreneur ready to succeed in every business setting as he built several successful companies: Wannahaves & 433, InStrategy Consulting, DC Venture Capital Partners, Enterprise Media, NanoFixit, and Villa Lançamento. Please see his work experience for specific information regarding these roles.
He is a natural leader, creative individual, experienced digital-marketer and business developer known for his ability to problem solve any business issue and help build a brand through story-telling. His industry knowledge includes, but is not limited to, media, digital marketing, sports marketing, (sports) tech, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.
Due to his entrepreneurial and corporate background, he has developed and maintained relationships with an extensive amount of (C-level) senior executives at many Fortune 500 companies, as well as media and creative agencies, and in addition to these relationships, he is proud of his 15+ years of experience in building successful businesses and personal brands, as an Executive, Managing Director, CCO, CMO, and Account Manager, and desires to share the lessons he has learned along the way.

Francesco Anesi

CEO & Founder - Scalabl

Francisco Santolo

Serial entrepreneur, influencer and speaker. MBA professor. Global CEO and founder of Scalabl (People Capital), with a presence in Buenos Aires, Santiago, Chile, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Dubai, Delhi, Hong Kong, Singapore, Barcelona, Lisbon, London and Berlin. Passionate about business and entrepreneurship and a people person. Always optimistic and relentless, with a high respect for growth and learning. I have studies in General Management (Harvard Business School and Kellogg School of Management), MBA (UCEMA), Master in Economics (UDESA), Certificate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Stanford Graduate Business School), Product and Industry Platforms (MIT), Program Executive (Singularity University) and other graduate programs (Capital Markets, Marketing, Negotiation, Communication, Leadership). I am an MBA and Executive MBA professor at UCEMA University, where I teach: “Disruptive Business Initiative”.
 

Fredda Rodriguez

Digital expert and award-winning marketer with over twenty years of experience working in different markets, verticals, and industries, Fredda Rodriguez holds a Law Degree, graduated Cum Laude, from Venezuela, and an MBA in the USA. Through her career, Fredda has worked in global companies such as OMD, Y&R and DDB, to mention a few, crafting and directing Digital Marketing Strategies, Product Development, and Content Strategy for different brands and organization, across multiple markets, verticals in the USA, Latam and Europe.

Being Fredda a pioneer in the digital marketing field, through her career, Fredda has faced the challenge of bringing digital transformation to many of the brands and organizations she has worked for, establishing processes, researching and analysis of technological tools, hiring and training teams and evaluating market trends and landscapes as well as establishing industry benchmarks.

During her tenure at Concacaf, she focused on facilitating business growth and brand development by providing overall strategic vision for Concacaf’s digital platforms, leading to the increase of engagement and loyalty across fans, sponsors, rightsholders and, stakeholders in the region. Additionally, Fredda recommended new technologies and drove product development to drive digital transformation while increasing user and fan engagement with Concacaf properties and brands. She also devised and executed paid media strategies, including performance (acquisition), effective awareness, and consideration campaigns in multiple markets after utilizing data and analytics for OTT, Connected TV, Web, APP, and SM channels.

Before Concacaf, Fredda also developed digital marketing strategies for other brands and organizations in the sports arena.

 

Academic Coordinator of the Sports Management Area - University of Palermo

German Dozoretz

Senior Board Advisor Sports & Entertainment - Fouding Partner Menorca Millenials

Javier Martínez

Más de 18 años de experiencia en equipos directivos (Havas Media, The Walt Disney Co.) con importantes resultados en el diseño y ejecución de estrategias en las áreas de marketing y ventas en entretenimiento, ocio, turismo, parques temáticos, contenido y deporte (fútbol); tanto en los canales analógicos como digitales. Javier líder en la generación de redes y alianzas, y ofrece poencias en prestigiosos eventos internacionales y escuelas de negocios. Ha sido Director General Comercial en el Atlético de Madrid, donde ha liderado la expansión de los negocios internacionales y el diseño de Fan Experience.

Director of Operations - HISPA

Jose Luis Kruyff

With over thirty years of business experience in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain and a growing network of decision-makers in sports, technology, telecom, media, and governments, José Luis can help solve challenging problems and achieve ambitious business growth goals.

 As a “Sales-as-a-Service” expert, he helps organizations drive B2B and B2C go-to-market strategy, marketing, sales, and key account management for technology companies focused on growing their sports, telecommunications, and media businesses in new markets, verticals, and accounts.

 He has a background in technology with an undergraduate degree in electronic communications engineering and graduate degrees in business and telecommunications. His professional experience includes leading sports companies like deltatre & Hawk-Eye Innovations, global companies like Microsoft, AT&T, and Telefónica, and startups.

GSIC Ambassador

Juan Ramon Notario

GSIC Ambassador

Marcos Eguillor

Marcos has worked in the digital arena since 1999, in the Internet, telco, mobile devices, apps, software, Internet of Things, media and broadcast, videogames, esports, social media and content, gamification, elearning, crisis communication, education and consulting verticals, among others.

He has played international leading roles in innovation, digital transformation, product/services design, development and standardisation. He has also got leading responsibilities in corporate and business development and project management.

He is a serial entrepreneur, investor, mentor and director in multiple ventures. He is a co-founder of MAD Lions esports club (acquired by the Canadian OverActive Media group). Also, a co-founder and chairman of the board of Barbara IoT, a deep tech company with a focus on IoT and cybersecurity. Further, founder of the Innovation as a Service resultancy firm BinaryKnowledge_, and cofounder of IdeaFoster, innovation agency acquired by the peruvian company Canvia.

Marcos is a member of the Spanish Institute of Directors-Administrators (IC-A). He has worked in international organizations, being a member of board of the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) on behalf of the Telefónica Group, a member of the Spanish Association of Telecommunications Engineers (COIT-AEIT) and a representative member before the Spanish Engineering Institute (IIE). In addition, he has been a member of the committee and vice-president of the Spanish Red Cross in Madrid, a member of the advisory board of the IMAN Foundation or a member of the Internet of Things Council.

He is an independent consultant and evaluator of FP7 and Horizon2020 calls of the European Commission.

Founder & CEO MMDP - MultiMedia & Data Professionals

Matteo Montanari

With 20+ years of International and Multicultural Executive and Commercial experience at leading companies, since 2001 in Telco, Media and Internet ecosystem, he’s got a proven track record of success in managing innovative business. Pioneer in digital transformation initiatives and in mobile solutions for value added services and payments, he’d been succesfully driving new business development on several vertical industries: Entertainment, Sport, Finance, Publishing and Media.
He’s based in Florence, Italy, cradle and soul of the “Digital Renaissance”, six centuries after the wave of innovation that build the new world in which we’re living now! 

Founder & CEO - AquaBloom Sports Group

Mike Yang

USA, Greater China and International Sports Industry, Sports Technology and Innovation Serial Entrepreneur/Investor/Corporates

Key Missions:
1. Gather and fulfil the high-end Sports demands and opportunities of China market, provide comprehensive solution package from global resources; and add unique values and increased volumes of the selected projects
2. Provide high quality service system and contents to help overseas Sports companies gain success in the China market
3. Provide high quality service system and contents to help China Sports companies gain success overseas
4. Systemically assist high-tech and all kinds of innovations to apply in Sports industry
5. Synergise the Finance Industry and Capital Market with sports industry and sports innovation
6. Promote Sports Industry’s integration with different industries, increase sports consumption, China and International Dual Circulation, Global sports services trades and developments 

Owner - SSTUDIO Marketing

Ricardo Gomez Silva

Currently working as a partner of SSTUDIO Marketing & Entertainment (2003 ~ to date), Ricardo Gomes Silva is responsible for the advertising creation, strategic planning, marketing, development, management, promotion and public relations of entertainment events that gather thousands of people, some of them broadcasted live to national and international TV channels.
Sports specialist with twenty five years experience in Sports and Event Management across all levels -local, state, national and international sporting organizations, including 15 years with the KT & Octagon as New Business , Planning, Operations Director on a wide range of sports modalities and events as professional tennis, golf, box, Xtreme, Indoor Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Handball, Marathon, Track in Field, Polo, Indoor Football, Para-olympic modalities, Swimming, Basketball, Mix Martial Arts, Professional Soccer, Beach Soccer and others.
He was responsible for the following sports events: Peace Cup Professional Soccer Tournament, IV IBSA Pan-American Games, XVII International Law and Enforcement Games, Brazilian College Games, Brazilian Law and Enforcement Games (19 countries), Mix Martial Arts International Championship, Summer Sports Festival, III IBSA World Championship (63 countries) route to Beijing, and others.

Partner - Fund Sport Business

Rodrigo Garza

Former Olympic athlete, Partner at Fund Sports Business, Ambassador of GSIC
Seasoned global brand marketing and sponsorship executive with 15 years of vast experience creating and delivering high-impact strategic programs that drive branding and market dominance in ever-changing, dynamic environments. A champion of managing highly complex and detailed projects from initial scope, planning, execution, and follow-up; expertise in new market identification, and strategic positioning for digital marketing that drives traffic, engagement, new lead generation, and retention. Respected leader motivates by example, which drives organizational teams to give 100% effort and loyalty.
A few of his credential include:
• International Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Member of Spanish Experts in Sports Marketing Association
• Postgraduate Diploma, Digital Marketing
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Field Hockey Olympic Medalist, 2008
• Participated in 3 Olympic Games: Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and Beijing 2008

Founder & CEO - Tradigitals Media

Rohit D’silva

He is a media, entertainment, sports, and eSports executive with over 15 years in leadership roles across APAC and the Middle East. My areas of expertise are in leading partnerships, sales, content, market development, digital subscriptions, and business development. A large part of his career so far has been in transforming business for growth; recruiting, building, and leading high-performance teams and integrating acquired assets. Rohit has actionable strong C-suite relationships across APAC and the Middle East. He is currently actively applying my transferable skills to the online gaming and eSports space, as well as to the media technology space.

Head of International - Sina Sports

Sam Li

Experienced global sports industry executive; advisor, mentor, and investor to early stage sports tech startups.

Currently runs all international aspects of Sina Sports and Weibo Sports, one of the largest sports digital media and social media platforms in China.

Broad and extensive experience in working with startup founders on strategy, networking, fundraising, deal sourcing, and legal issues. Main verticals of focus include media content, broadcast technology, fan engagement, social media, esports, betting and fantasy sports, athletes performance, health and wellness. Advisory and investment portfolio of over 20 startups. Mentor/judge of several sports focused accelerators including Techstar Sports, Stadia Ventures, Microsoft Global Sports Innovation Center, HYPE Sports, and startupbootcamp.

Former Vice President at NBA and speaker at industry conferences including Leaders, SportsPro, SportsAccord, Sportel, APOS, All That Matters, SPIA, Soccerex, etc. 

CCO & CMO - Blanco y Negro SA (Colo-Colo)

Samuel Pérez

He is a media, entertainment, sports, and eSports executive with over 15 years in leadership roles across APAC and the Middle East. My areas of expertise are in leading partnerships, sales, content, market development, digital subscriptions, and business development. A large part of his career so far has been in transforming business for growth; recruiting, building, and leading high-performance teams and integrating acquired assets. Rohit has actionable strong C-suite relationships across APAC and the Middle East. He is currently actively applying my transferable skills to the online gaming and eSports space, as well as to the media technology space.

President - Guayas Football Association

Selim Doumet

Siddharth (Sid) Deshmukh

Sid brings nearly 2 decades of progressive and diverse experience across early stage startups to Fortune 500 companies in US, Europe and Asia having worked across Banking, Healthcare, Consumer Electronics, Media & Consumer Internet and Sports.

After spending over a decade across the globe in IT Consulting for the Companies to build brands & get partners to outsource, founded Arimaya Management Ventures (www.arimayaventures.com) with a vision to provide management consulting with a twist.. Assisting Sports and Technology companies with Sportertainment Consulting & Brand Management …as-a-Service model.

He is a founding member of MBA Sports Management at Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences under Symbiosis International University, former CEO of Khel Now, Ex-Fan Engagement Technology consultant with Sacramento Kings NBA team, Industry mentor at Qatar Sports Tech, ex-South Asia Head of Genius Sports and most interestingly, he is the brand manager of MS Dhoni. 

A former competitive Badminton player, a movie buff and scuba diving enthusiast; Sid is a speaker at various Sports & Entrepreneurship events and conference. Passionate for grassroot development and working on uplifting of society using Sports Development and Education.

His passion for sports and sports development reflects in his Sports Talk Show – SportsySays – #LetsTalkSports www.youtube.com/sportsysays where he hosts eminent personality of world of sport covering athletes, coaches, administrators, and business houses discussing various aspects of sports through storytelling. 

Founder of PictureBoard Partners

Unmish Parthasarathi

Unmish’s love affair with digital video started in 2000, when he was deputed from the London newsroom of Sports News Television (IMG’s JV with the Associated Press) to create a wholesale service offering for “portals”. Next came a startup, creating Champions League match highlights for six Vodafone markets and Robbie Williams concerts, followed by the iPlayer at the BBC, ESPN Player in Singapore, KL and Hong Kong, BallBall in Indonesia, Vietnam & Japan, and, most recently, selling highlights to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup into 140+ countries. eSports is now in focus for this Cricket Tragic, and he’s using digital video as a central catalyst to forge partnerships with brands, agencies, media, event venues and fans.

Experts

Sports Business Managing Director at Microsoft Corp.

Sebastian Lancestremere

Senior Executive with 25 years of international experience in the IT Industry at Microsoft and startups in developed and emerging markets in Latin America, Europe and World Wide. Well-rounded Managing Director who has consistently delivered outstanding performance: setting up new business units, growing market share and developing talent, leading innovative and strategic projects for the company and expert in digital transformation. Business leader who focuses on how Information Technology can help organizations take advantage of the Digital Economy while contributing to a better society.

Senior Advisor -Manchester City Football Group / Globant

Javier Martínez

Passionate Sports, Travel-Leisure & Entertainment Senior Executive:
+ 25 years translating passion/epic stories into outstanding business results at World leading Companies such as:
• The Walt Disney Company (VicePresident, 2001 – 2014, in seven different Markets)
• Atletico de Madrid Football Club (Business & Experience Managing Director, 2014-2017).
• Global Sports Innovation Center powered by MICROSOFT (Ambassador/Mentor, 2017-present) .
• MANCHESTER CITY Football Club ( Fan Innovation / Senior Strategic Advisor , 2017-present)
Now, an independent Senior Advisor helping companies CONVERTING emotionally CLIENTS INTO FANS, and Clubs’ FANS INTO loyal CLIENTS!
Javier is also an Inspiring KeyNote Speaker and dynamic Tech Innovation Landscape activist.

Innovation and Global Development at LaLiga

Minerva Santana

Digital Technology Responsable for Real Sociedad de Fútbol

Juan Iraola

In charge of defining and implementing the digital strategy across all the areas and business within the club, with the main goal to be closer to people and fans, improving the processes and business operations and identifying new revenue streams.

MA degree in Industrial Engineering obtained from the University of Navarra. Consultant and project manager during more than 25 years in different sectors as sports, advertising, software development and consultancy, aerospace, machine building, automotive, retail; leading projects mainly focused on ERP, CRM, Business Intelligence, defining and implementing Marketing Online and Digital Transformation Strategies.

General Manager of the Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft

Iris Córdoba

She has developed her professional career linked to enterprise development and the support of SMEs from the public and private side, with special focus on culture sector, Spanish language-related economy, entertainment and sports industry, both in Latam and in Spain. Specializing in project management, networking creation and business development. Since the beginning of 2015, she has launched the Global Sports Innovation Center promoted by Microsoft, a collaborative initiative between the public, private and academic sectors, which aims to promote innovation in the sports industry, creating an ecosystem composed by nearly 200 companies and institutions that generate synergies and value projects in the sector.

Iris actively participates as a speaker, mentor and jury in startup competitions and in events linked to sports and technology on national and international levels such as Sports Analytics World Series, The SPOT, TEKAN TEN by Asics, WFStartcup by GSIC, among the others. In 2016, she was recognized as one of the 10 most influential women in the sports industry according to the ranking published annually by Metadeporte magazine. Likewise, in 2017 she was a candidate to be one of the top 100 women leaders in Spain of the magazine Mujeres y Cía. She is an active member in various forums, such as the CSD woman, the Sports Committee of the Spanish Association of Women Marketing, Soccer in Words from the Miguel de Cervantes Virtual Library or Engagement de Mujeres y Cía. She is also a member of World Football Summit Advisory Board.

General Manager of Football and Travel

Francisco Calvello

Entrepreneur, businessman, former football player and journalist with a track record of over 16 years in the world of football and 9 in the world of business and sports management, Francisco is an expert in the development of global business with a focus on football and tourism. Working experience in diverse markets and cultures, such as Argentina, Spain, England, Germany, Italy, USA, India, South Africa and Kuwait, among others.

At 25, after having worked as an international football specialist in Argentina’s Diario Olé, he decided to focus on his passion: making ideas come true with a global outlook. In 2011, already residing in Spain and amid a voracious economic crisis, he founded his first company, Astorini Media, to later dedicate heart and soul to the world of football by creating Spocs Center Madrid – the first private training centre in Spain for team-less football professionals, which was attended by more than 150 players from 35 different countries. Since that moment, he has been linked to innovation and the development of global football-related projects.

He is currently in charge of the Football and Travel company, where he helps professional football clubs expand internationally through the development of tourism-sports experiences aimed at fans across the globe.

Holder of Elea Chair of Social Innovation

Vanina Farber

Vanina Farber is an economist and political scientist specializing on social innovation, entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility, with also almost twenty years of teaching, researching and consultancy experience, working with academic institutions, multinational corporations and international organizations. She is the holder of the elea Chair for Social Innovation.

In her research, Vanina is interested in studying and fostering the application of innovative, practical, sustainable and inclusive market oriented approaches that aspire to change the world by eliminating the root causes of social ills. Her research focuses on scaling up social businesses and on innovations in inclusive value chains, especially last mile distribution. She has done research in European and Latin American countries and published several articles, including “Barriers and public policies affecting the international expansion of Latin American SMEs, evidence from Brazil, Colombia and Peru” Journal of Business Research, 2015.

Vanina is also interested in education and pedagogy. She has studied how case based/experiential learning affect the intention of graduate students to become social and responsible entrepreneurs. Some of the results can be found in the article “In Alain Gibb’s footsteps: Evaluating alternative approaches to sustainable enterprise education,” published in the International Journal of Management Education in 2016. She currently opened a third line of research focusing on the personality traits of social entrepreneurs. Do social entrepreneurs think differently? Are there different personality traits, risk profiles or social anchors that differentiate social from purely commercial entrepreneurs? What makes, if anything, a social entrepreneur different?

Prior to coming to IMD, Vanina was Professor and Chair of Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Social Inclusion at Universidad del Pacífico, Peru, were she also was the Dean of the Graduate School of Business from 2014 to 2016.

From 2005 to 2017 she was also an Adjunct Professor for IE Business School, Spain, where she taught Economic Environment and Country Analysis in blended programs and designed and co-directed the training course for professors “Leadership in Blended Education”.

Vanina has worked as a researcher and consultant for different international organizations and national institutions in Switzerland, Spain and Peru.

Vanina holds a PhD in business administration (economics) from the University of Memphis in the USA.

Associate Professor at University at Pittsburgh

Konstantinos Pelechrinis

Kostas is an Associate Professor at the School of Computing and Information at the University of Pittsburgh. He holds a PhD degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Riverside and his research interests include network analysis, data science and applied machine learning with an emphasis on applications in urban informatics and sports analytics. He is a recipient of the prestigious Young Investigator Award from the Army Research Office for his work on heterogeneous networks, while his research is also supported from the National Science Foundation. He has collaborated with professional sports teams.

Head of Digital Innovation - Valencia CF

Franco Segarra

Founder & CEO - AquaBloom Sports Group

Mike Yang

USA, Greater China and International Sports Industry, Sports Technology and Innovation Serial Entrepreneur/Investor/Corporates

Key Missions:
1. Gather and fulfil the high-end Sports demands and opportunities of China market, provide comprehensive solution package from global resources; and add unique values and increased volumes of the selected projects
2. Provide high quality service system and contents to help overseas Sports companies gain success in the China market
3. Provide high quality service system and contents to help China Sports companies gain success overseas
4. Systemically assist high-tech and all kinds of innovations to apply in Sports industry
5. Synergise the Finance Industry and Capital Market with sports industry and sports innovation
6. Promote Sports Industry’s integration with different industries, increase sports consumption, China and International Dual Circulation, Global sports services trades and developments 

Founder & CEO MMDP - MultiMedia & Data Professionals

Matteo Montanari

With 20+ years of International and Multicultural Executive and Commercial experience at leading companies, since 2001 in Telco, Media and Internet ecosystem, he’s got a proven track record of success in managing innovative business. Pioneer in digital transformation initiatives and in mobile solutions for value added services and payments, he’d been succesfully driving new business development on several vertical industries: Entertainment, Sport, Finance, Publishing and Media.
He’s based in Florence, Italy, cradle and soul of the “Digital Renaissance”, six centuries after the wave of innovation that build the new world in which we’re living now! 

Founder of PictureBoard Partners

Unmish Parthasarathi

Unmish’s love affair with digital video started in 2000, when he was deputed from the London newsroom of Sports News Television (IMG’s JV with the Associated Press) to create a wholesale service offering for “portals”. Next came a startup, creating Champions League match highlights for six Vodafone markets and Robbie Williams concerts, followed by the iPlayer at the BBC, ESPN Player in Singapore, KL and Hong Kong, BallBall in Indonesia, Vietnam & Japan, and, most recently, selling highlights to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup into 140+ countries. eSports is now in focus for this Cricket Tragic, and he’s using digital video as a central catalyst to forge partnerships with brands, agencies, media, event venues and fans.

Head of International - Sina Sports

Sam Li

Experienced global sports industry executive; advisor, mentor, and investor to early stage sports tech startups.

Currently runs all international aspects of Sina Sports and Weibo Sports, one of the largest sports digital media and social media platforms in China.

Broad and extensive experience in working with startup founders on strategy, networking, fundraising, deal sourcing, and legal issues. Main verticals of focus include media content, broadcast technology, fan engagement, social media, esports, betting and fantasy sports, athletes performance, health and wellness. Advisory and investment portfolio of over 20 startups. Mentor/judge of several sports focused accelerators including Techstar Sports, Stadia Ventures, Microsoft Global Sports Innovation Center, HYPE Sports, and startupbootcamp.

Former Vice President at NBA and speaker at industry conferences including Leaders, SportsPro, SportsAccord, Sportel, APOS, All That Matters, SPIA, Soccerex, etc. 

Partner - Fund Sport Business

Rodrigo Garza

Former Olympic athlete, Partner at Fund Sports Business, Ambassador of GSIC
Seasoned global brand marketing and sponsorship executive with 15 years of vast experience creating and delivering high-impact strategic programs that drive branding and market dominance in ever-changing, dynamic environments. A champion of managing highly complex and detailed projects from initial scope, planning, execution, and follow-up; expertise in new market identification, and strategic positioning for digital marketing that drives traffic, engagement, new lead generation, and retention. Respected leader motivates by example, which drives organizational teams to give 100% effort and loyalty.
A few of his credential include:
• International Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Member of Spanish Experts in Sports Marketing Association
• Postgraduate Diploma, Digital Marketing
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Field Hockey Olympic Medalist, 2008
• Participated in 3 Olympic Games: Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and Beijing 2008

Owner - SSTUDIO Marketing

Ricardo Gomez Silva

Currently working as a partner of SSTUDIO Marketing & Entertainment (2003 ~ to date), Ricardo Gomes Silva is responsible for the advertising creation, strategic planning, marketing, development, management, promotion and public relations of entertainment events that gather thousands of people, some of them broadcasted live to national and international TV channels.
Sports specialist with twenty five years experience in Sports and Event Management across all levels -local, state, national and international sporting organizations, including 15 years with the KT & Octagon as New Business , Planning, Operations Director on a wide range of sports modalities and events as professional tennis, golf, box, Xtreme, Indoor Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Handball, Marathon, Track in Field, Polo, Indoor Football, Para-olympic modalities, Swimming, Basketball, Mix Martial Arts, Professional Soccer, Beach Soccer and others.
He was responsible for the following sports events: Peace Cup Professional Soccer Tournament, IV IBSA Pan-American Games, XVII International Law and Enforcement Games, Brazilian College Games, Brazilian Law and Enforcement Games (19 countries), Mix Martial Arts International Championship, Summer Sports Festival, III IBSA World Championship (63 countries) route to Beijing, and others.

Co-Founder of Torrent Road Capital & Menorca Millennials

Ricard Garriga

Ricard Garriga, co-founder Torret Road Capital & Menorca Millennials, the first startup Decelerator for Series A global companies│prev. YouNoodle, 22 Barcelona City Council│Inspired at UCBerkeley │Proud Investor of 8fit, Bulletin.chat. Trappit, AragonProject, 3DdigitalVenue. Passionate about start-ups, investment and talent attraction. He has 12 years’ experience in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, starting at La Salle university in Barcelona where he helped raise capital for tech start-ups and spinoffs, then in 22 Barcelona City Council to implement public policies, and subsequently in California as head of strategy and growth in YouNoodle, a Silicon Valley start-up, where he was in charge of open innovation projects for large corporations and talent attraction programmes for 7 countries, then founding the new concept of ”start-up decelerator” MenorcaMillennials which detects global talent in order invest with it’s own funding company, TorretRoad.
To date 2 failed companies, €27m raised by 16 of them and 2 companies acquired.

Business Development Architect

Jesús Serrano

Jesus is a +15 year experienced professional specialized on Customer experience and UI Development Technologies. He is Business Development Architect in Sports and member of UX Worldwide Leaders at Microsoft. He’s frequently required as speaker about UX design & UI development for both national and international events.He has designed and led the Customer experience and Design Teams in many Lighthouse, Tier 1, BMC and Consumer projects across different technologies for some of the most important global companies. He’s absolutely passionate about simplifying the use of technologies and bring them closer to the users. If you have an UX problem, if no one else can help and you find him, maybe you should speak with him

Chief Project Officer

Guillermo Morales

With 15+ years of experience on the technology business, working with banking, energy, telco, industry and public-sector clients, envisioning and defining technology strategies, digital services and solutions to help to realize business value. Joined to Microsoft in 1998, he has worked for the top WW consulting companies and currently working as Solution Architect at Microsoft.

Marketing & Sales professional

María Barberá

What defines me is the motto “Make things happen”. Marketing and Commercial professional with a solid experience in the design of new business & commercial offers, marketing and communication strategies, CRM Planning.

Global Vision | Experience in coordination of local and international teams and projects.

Business Growth | Focus on Projects oriented to results, ROI, market share growth and brand awareness.

Marketing Plans | Integrating all elements in effectives strategies to reach target audience (media, events, promotional campaigns, digital, in-store, PR and CRM) develo- ping outstanding strategies.

New Trends | Activation of new out of the box ideas, blogging, video content, events, e- commence and new technologies.

Experience in several sectors | Retail, TELCOS, Sports, Automotive, Bank, Financial, Consumer goods and Services.

Expertise in developing Worldwide Sports Sponsorships proposals.

Stadium Director at Levante U.D.li

Luis Cervera

Currently Luis is Director of New Projects and Operations Levante UD SAD; member of the commission “Marketing, financing and federative management” in the Spanish Olympic Committee; member of the Board of Directors of the Sports Managers Association of the Valencian Community; vocal Territorial Board Lift IESE. His previous experience includes the positions of Director of Operations Valencia CF SAD (2015-2017), General Director of Valencia CF SAD (2013-2015), Director-Manager of the Valencia Municipal Sports Foundation (2001 -2013).

Subdirector técnico - Las Naves / Board Advisor - More Than Players Foundation

David Rosa

After more than 15 years working and learning in the sports industry, David believes that he can say there is only one way of progressing: “continue learning” and “do not be afraid to take risks”.
His first contact with the sports industry, was developed as an “athlete”, although his training as an industrial engineer and materials engineer gave me access to lead one of the most important sports biomechanical research groups in the world. David developed most of his activity in supporting of the relationship between science, technology, innovation and the companies of the Sports Industry of our country. As a result of this, it was the Spanish Technology Platform for the sport industry, which finally he ended up directing, with the main mission of developing a strategic agenda for the sports industry.
David worked for more than 6 years as Secretary for the National Committee for the Standardisation of Sport, Equipment and Sporting Facilities (CTN 147), where I could develop a wide range of activities for regulating the national and international markets of the sporting products and equipment.
For 14 years he had the opportunity to work directly with the Superior Council for Sports, developing 7 specific publications on sporting facilities and hundreds of national and international scientific and informative articles about innovation in sporting products and equipment.
On the more academic side, David has led and participated in a multitude of seminars, masters and courses both nationally and internationally in Spanish, European and Latin American Universities.
For 2 years, David was also a CTO at the Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft

Doctor in CC AF and Sports. Professor at Camilo José Cela University. PF and retradapter in Madrid CFF

Blanca Romero

Managing Director at WWP Weirather Wenzel & Partner

Rayde Luis Baez

Born and raised in Dominican Republic, relocated to Barcelona over a decade ago. Rayde is a passionate partnership narrative builder, and steers the operations of the WWP Group in the Iberian Peninsula since 2016, leading the agency work with brands and properties such as Audi, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Red Bull, MotoGP, BMW M, SEAT, TAG Heuer, LaLiga and Santander Private Banking. Trained as an Economist with postgraduate education in Banking & Finance, and Sports Management, prior to his role at WWP oversaw the strategic business of Euroleague Basketball’s digital output and content marketing initiatives, the sponsorship sales and relationships with its partners in a joint creative effort that continuously delivered return on investment.

President and Managing Partner of Embedded Knowledge

J.Eduardo Campos

J. Eduardo is a seasoned strategist who designs sustainable solutions by building bridges across diverse groups. After creating business growth opportunities on four continents through his leadership roles at PwC, Embraer, and Bell Canada, he spent thirteen years at Microsoft, first as a cybersecurity advisor, then leading innovative Microsoft projects at the highest levels of government in the US and abroad. Today, J. Eduardo is realizing his dream of building a better tomorrow by leading his consulting firm, Embedded Knowledge, Inc., to develop value propositions, customize business strategies, and form partnerships that enable organizations and entrepreneurs to design creative solutions for their complex problems.

Managing Director at SD EIBAR

Patricia Rodriguez Barrios

I have been working at PwC more than nine years, last of them as a assurance manager. In 2014, I started working at SD Eibar as a Finance Manager and two years after, in 2016, I assume the role of Managing Director of the Club. During two last years, I have reached an increase in revenues of 85% and the reinforce of the image and notoriety of the SD EIBAR brand in countries like Japan.

Sports Marketing Master Director in Escuela Real Madrid at Universidad Europea

Ricardo García-Viana Brookes

Sports Marketing Master Director in Real Madrid – Universidad Europea School. With a background in tourism and event management, has been working as a lecturer for Universidad Europea for 23 years and directing different master programs for 17 years now. Former professional indoor soccer player.

CEO - SPSG Consulting

Carlos Canto

Carlos is the CEO of SPSG Consulting, a boutique consulting firm specialized in Sports, Entertainment and Sponsorships. Previously, he used to work at IMG for 10+ years as VicePresident of the Consulting division, and afterwards, 2,5 years at Lagardère Sports, also as VicePresident of the Consulting Division. He has lead projects in 23 countries. In addition, he is a “Sport Business” professor at ESADE Business School, Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid and LaLiga Business School, and a “Sponsorship – Partnership” professor at IE – Instituto de Empresa. He has had the opportunity to lecture MBA students from Columbia University, Wharton University and Georgetown University, among other in Sports Business topics. Moreover, he is a Member of the Board of the Spanish Marketing Association (where he leads the “Sport” chapter), and Member of the Advisory Board of WFS-World Football Summit.

CEO & Founder - InStudio Ventures

Danny Cortenraede

Danny is currently the President at Wannahaves Inc. and 433 where he is responsible for providing the strategic direction of their NYC office.
Danny built his reputation as a global serial entrepreneur ready to succeed in every business setting as he built several successful companies: Wannahaves & 433, InStrategy Consulting, DC Venture Capital Partners, Enterprise Media, NanoFixit, and Villa Lançamento. Please see his work experience for specific information regarding these roles.
He is a natural leader, creative individual, experienced digital-marketer and business developer known for his ability to problem solve any business issue and help build a brand through story-telling. His industry knowledge includes, but is not limited to, media, digital marketing, sports marketing, (sports) tech, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.
Due to his entrepreneurial and corporate background, he has developed and maintained relationships with an extensive amount of (C-level) senior executives at many Fortune 500 companies, as well as media and creative agencies, and in addition to these relationships, he is proud of his 15+ years of experience in building successful businesses and personal brands, as an Executive, Managing Director, CCO, CMO, and Account Manager, and desires to share the lessons he has learned along the way.

Francesco Anesi

GSIC Ambassador

Marcos Eguillor

Marcos has worked in the digital arena since 1999, in the Internet, telco, mobile devices, apps, software, Internet of Things, media and broadcast, videogames, esports, social media and content, gamification, elearning, crisis communication, education and consulting verticals, among others.

He has played international leading roles in innovation, digital transformation, product/services design, development and standardisation. He has also got leading responsibilities in corporate and business development and project management.

He is a serial entrepreneur, investor, mentor and director in multiple ventures. He is a co-founder of MAD Lions esports club (acquired by the Canadian OverActive Media group). Also, a co-founder and chairman of the board of Barbara IoT, a deep tech company with a focus on IoT and cybersecurity. Further, founder of the Innovation as a Service resultancy firm BinaryKnowledge_, and cofounder of IdeaFoster, innovation agency acquired by the peruvian company Canvia.

Marcos is a member of the Spanish Institute of Directors-Administrators (IC-A). He has worked in international organizations, being a member of board of the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) on behalf of the Telefónica Group, a member of the Spanish Association of Telecommunications Engineers (COIT-AEIT) and a representative member before the Spanish Engineering Institute (IIE). In addition, he has been a member of the committee and vice-president of the Spanish Red Cross in Madrid, a member of the advisory board of the IMAN Foundation or a member of the Internet of Things Council.

He is an independent consultant and evaluator of FP7 and Horizon2020 calls of the European Commission.

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