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Ecosystem Roundup: FC Barcelona sets foot in Asia’s startup arena; Ex-EDBI chief launches US$250M fund

Barça Innovation Hub Head Albert Mundet

Dear reader,

Barça Innovation Hub (BIHUB), a pioneering division of FC Barcelona, is making a strategic move to establish a strong presence in the Asia Pacific region. This expansion aims to have a profound and enduring impact on the sports industry throughout the area.

BIHUB’s vision involves partnerships and collaboration with startups operating in various sectors, including health & wellness, media & entertainment, infrastructure management, and prosumer markets in sports fitness, aligning with the club’s core mission.

BIHUB’s multifaceted approach includes investments in sports-related startups in the seed to Series A stages. The focus here is on value creation and long-term partnerships rather than immediate profit. Albert Mundet, the Director of BIHUB, emphasises the importance of finding the right venture capital partners who understand the business model.

A notable aspect of BIHUB’s strategy is its adaptability to diverse cultures within the Asia Pacific region. Rather than imposing a singular approach, BIHUB seeks to resonate with local cultures and realities through partnerships with local entities.

The commitment to harnessing technology, particularly AI, data analytics, and blockchain, for enhancing sports operations is another key feature. BIHUB’s involvement in optimising practices, tactical analytics, and leveraging machine learning is indicative of its forward-thinking approach to improving the sports industry.

BIHUB also plans to bring the Sports Tomorrow Congress to Singapore, serving as a platform for sharing insights, discussing industry trends, and fostering professional collaborations.

In summary, BIHUB’s expansion into the Asia Pacific showcases a well-thought-out strategy that combines innovation, partnership, and adaptability to make a significant impact on the sports and technology landscape in the region.

Sainul,
Editor.

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