Sportiva Venture Studio launches in Nigeria, sets out to transform Africa’s Sports Tech landscape
A bold new chapter in African sports innovation has begun with the official launch of Sportiva Venture Studio (SVS), a Nigeria based venture studio committed to revolutionizing the continent’s sports technology ecosystem.
With a mission to empower African sports tech startups, SVS aims to build a portfolio of 10 globally competitive companies and develop a digital platform tailored to the needs of sports clubs and federations across Africa.
The studio’s launch comes in response to a glaring gap in the industry: Africa receives less than 1% of global sports investment and sponsorship, despite having a youth population exceeding 400 million.
According to SVS’s presentation, less than 20% of African sports organizations have adopted digital platforms, and over 65% of sports tech startups struggle to secure Series A funding.
The launch event drew a diverse and influential crowd, including representatives from the Lagos State Sports Commission, sports tech founders, legal firms specializing in startups and sports law, gaming development studios, media outlets, and investors ranging from high-net-worth individuals to asset management firms.
A panel session moderated by seasoned sports media expert Enitan Obadina explored the theme: ‘Unlocking the Next Frontier: Investing in Africa’s SportsTech Ecosystem — Exploring challenges in venture finance, deal flow, and collaboration.’
Panelists included Barr. Muyiwa Ayojimi, CEO of PLC Nominees Ltd; Mr. Dele Ige, CEO of PAC Asset Management Company; Ugochinyere Onyewuenyi, Founder of SportsReels; and James Alabi, CTO of Sportiva Venture Studio.
Together, they shared practical insights and sparked visionary discussions about the future of sports tech on the continent.
SVS’s approach is rooted in co-founding, offering startups capital, operational expertise, and go-to-market support.
The studio will focus on three core verticals viz performance AI, fan engagement, and tools for sports executives.
Its goal is to become the leading technical provider for African sports, building the digital backbone of the industry and preparing its startups for successful global buyouts, with the first major exits projected between 2030 and 2031.
