Google invests in
Dutch Sport Tech Fund
participation Fando

Fando, a portfolio company of Dutch Sport Tech Fund, has secured funding from Point Carbon Zero. This is an initiative by Google and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Other investors in the startup include Plug and Play and SOSV, both American tech funds, the former CXO of Uber and LinkedIn, and the former CCO of Nest. In addition to its regular fan engagement app, Fando activates sports fans by rewarding them with ‘fan tokens’.

Fando is growing by fifteen to twenty percent every month. The company targets sports fans in Southeast Asia, who are engaged by rewarding them with ‘tokens’. For example, when a Manchester United fan shares content from the club, they earn tokens that can be exchanged for merchandise and, starting next year, for money. Fans of European football clubs, American basketball teams, and cricket teams are active on Fando. The startup collaborates with supporters’ associations, not with the clubs themselves.

Manit Parikh, CEO of Fando, makes no secret of his ambition. “We want to become ‘the Google of Web3’. Content creators earn money through YouTube, but Web3 companies also reward those who watch or share content. This way, everyone can benefit. We want to enable every visitor of Fando to build a livelihood through Fando. We hope to expand soon to Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.”

Alexander Janssen, CEO of the Dutch Sport Tech Fund, understands why Fando is growing so quickly. “Fando manages to grow organically, which is much more advantageous than through paid acquisition. The company knows how to engage its employees in a smart way. Colleagues are rewarded with tokens and shares, among other things, allowing them to benefit from the company’s growth. As a result, Fando is a financially healthy company. CEO Parikh is also open to suggestions from his employees, which means ideas can also emerge from the bottom up. That makes Fando particularly future-proof.”

Manit Parikh: “I have previously worked at companies that went public. The challenge of growing Fando into a billion-dollar company is one I do not take on alone, but with my partners. I am happy with the guidance from Dutch Sport Tech Fund. They make sure I think outside the box and point out my blind spots. Their guidance and trust help me to grow Fando.”

Investing in Dutch Sport Tech Fund is now possible from 100,000 euros. Interested? Request the Dutch Sport Tech Fund brochure here.