Sharp Alpha Advisors has successfully closed its second venture capital fund, Sharp Alpha Fund II, surpassing its target with a $25 million raise to invest in early-stage companies within the sports, gaming, and entertainment sectors.
One of the recent investments from Fund II is C15 Studio, the new operator and distributor of Formula 1’s streaming channel. The fund also includes investments in Almost Friday Media, Jackpot.com, and Betcha, which was acquired by Vivid Seats.
Sharp Alpha Fund II focuses on seed investments between $1 million and $2 million. Additionally, Sharp Alpha operates a co-investment vehicle, enabling limited partners to contribute extra capital to select investments alongside the main fund.
Lloyd Danzig, Managing Partner, was recently recognized in Business Insider’s list of Top Venture Capitalists in Sports and ELG’s 40 Under 40. He is frequently featured in major publications like CNBC, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.
The fund’s backers include public corporations, U.S. financial institutions, professional sports team owners, family offices, leading venture capitalists, and funds of funds.
Danzig highlights a significant opportunity at the convergence of sports, gaming, media, and technology, noting, “The competitive entertainment sector is rapidly growing and in need of the innovation that early-stage companies can provide.”
Sharp Alpha Fund II has exceeded its initial $25 million goal and expanded its deal team.
Discussing the current market landscape, Danzig said, “We are entering one of the most favorable periods in the past 15 years for investing in promising founders.”
The advisory board of Sharp Alpha includes notable figures such as Keith Horn, founder of Loring Capital Advisors and former COO of Elliott Management; Emanuel Pearlman, former Chairman of Empire Resorts; Daniel Bernard, Founder and Chairman of Redwood International Sports; Roy Behren, President and Chief Investment Officer of a $5.2 billion asset management firm; and Don Kornstein, Vice Chairman of Caesars Entertainment.
Beyond financial support, Sharp Alpha offers its portfolio companies resources and opportunities in areas like fundraising, revenue growth, brand development, commercial strategy, financial planning, and product innovation.
