TLDR:
- FC Cincinnati CEO Jeff Berding believes in surrounding himself with smart people to drive growth mindset.
- FC Cincinnati partners with Lead One, a venture capital fund, to back sports and health startups.
FC Cincinnati’s CEO, Jeff Berding, emphasizes the importance of being surrounded by intelligent individuals to foster growth. Berding, a co-founder of the MLS club, has recently partnered with Lead One, a venture capital fund focused on investing in sports and health startups. The club aims to be a best-in-class organization driving positive disruption in the sport, and views the VC move as a step towards achieving this goal. The partnership with Lead One provides FC Cincinnati with access to cutting-edge sports and health tech startups, allowing them to integrate innovative technology to enhance fan experiences, partnerships, and community engagement. The club’s participation in the Lead One fund will not only bring new ideas and opportunities to the table but also serve as a valuable testing ground for startups seeking to innovate in the sports industry. Berding’s vision extends beyond traditional sports ventures, as FC Cincinnati also plans to build out Lion’s Ventures Powered by FC Cincinnati, a consulting, events, and business development arm aimed at fostering sports tech innovation and enhancing fan engagement.
The Lead One fund’s focus on pre-seed investments signifies a unique opportunity for FC Cincinnati to influence and shape the future of sports and health technology. By collaborating with organizations like Lead Sports and participating in early-stage investments, the club can actively contribute to the growth and development of innovative startups. Berding’s goal of positioning FC Cincinnati as one of the best-in-class sports organizations by 2031 aligns with the club’s strategic moves into venture capital and business development initiatives. Through these efforts, FC Cincinnati aims to adapt to the evolving sports landscape, drive positive disruption, and create lasting impact within the industry.
