David chairs Velocity’s Investment Committees and leads the underwriting for the firm’s investments. Previously, he was the CIO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, managing four verticals: a consumer brand incubator, two sports technology venture funds, equity investments in high-growth companies, and entertainment-focused real estate projects. Prior to HBSE, David was the Founder and Managing Partner of the Apollo European Principal Finance Funds ($8B AUM), focusing on distressed assets. David spent 10 years at Credit Suisse based in London and New York. He founded and was the Head of the Specialty Finance Investment business and the Co-Head of the Global Distressed Sales and Trading Group. David began his career with roles in Investment Banking, Capital Markets, and Corporate Restructurings while at Bear Stearns and Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette. David is currently an owner of Crystal Palace F.C. He was previously the Managing Partner and Co-Owner of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (AAA-affiliate of the New York Yankees) and the controlling owner of sports technology company Keemotion/Synergy Sports. David graduated cum laude with a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

David currently resides in New York City with his wife of 29 years, Nicole, and together they have three adult-age children. David is a dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom, having lived in London for 15 years.

Fun fact: David has attended more than 150 Bruce Springsteen concerts on three continents.

Arne is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee. In addition to an active origination and due diligence role, he works closely with the firm’s portfolio companies on strategy execution and value creation. Arne is currently the Honorary U.S. Chairman for Bundesliga. He was previously the U.S. CEO of Sportradar Group (NASDAQ: SRAD; $3B Mkt. Cap.), the leading global provider of products and services in the sports betting and entertainment space. Prior to this, Arnes was a Partner at investment firm MSP Sports, leading investments into McLaren Racing Formula One and Global Football Holdings. Prior to his role at MSP, Arnes was the COO at RSE Ventures and Partner at Vayner/RSE, investing in sports-related and technology-enabled companies such as PrimeSport, Krossover, Coinbase, and Resy. He was also the VP of International Business Development and Digital and VP Assistant to the President of ESPN. Arne was the former Head of Strategy and Business Development for UEFA. Arne graduated with a Master of Arts and Diplomacy at the Fletcher School of Tufts University and pursued his MBA at École des Ponts Business School.

Arne currently splits his time between NYC and Roxbury CT with his wife Caroline and his son Gabriel.

Fun fact: Arne’s favorite past time is driving tractors.

Touré assists Velocity with firmwide initiatives. His experience ranges from managing professional sports events to advisory matters for sports agencies, leagues, NBA players, and colleague sports professionals. Touré is currently a Senior Vice President at Intersport, an independent firm specializing in content production, property creation, and marketing that span digital, experiential, hospitality, sports, entertainment, and sponsorship. Touré has led naming rights, title sponsorships, and sanctioning body rights negotiations with media properties such as NASCAR, ESPN, ABC, Disney, and Major League Baseball teams. He founded Kearney Park, an independent sponsor platform that focuses on strategy and operations for Family Offices and Alternative Managers. He helped Sears transition after its $13B merger and managed the P&L for a $600M business unit. Touré received a B.S. in economics with a minor in African American studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Touré currently resides in the Chicago suburbs with his wife of 20 years, Dr. Saundra Claiborne, and together they have two teenaged children. Touré has lived in Eastern North Carolina; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; and Darien, CT.

Fun fact: Touré has attended every one of his kids’ sports games and school functions.

Dylan analyzes and sources investment opportunities for Velocity. Previously, Dylan was at Evolution Media Capital, where he worked on numerous acquisitions, capital raises, and financing transactions throughout the sports and entertainment ecosystem. Prior to Evolution, Dylan spent four years at Rothschild & Co. within their TMT group in New York, where he advised strategics and financial sponsors on M&A, capital raises, and restructuring. Dylan graduated with a degree in finance from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas.

Dylan is from Armonk, New York, and currently lives in New York City. He is a massive New York Yankees fan and loves to travel.

Fun fact: The background on Dylan’s phone is a medium-rare ribeye.

Nishant analyzes and sources investment opportunities for Velocity. Previously, Nishant was an Associate at Blue Point Capital Partners, investing across the consumer, business services, industrial, and distribution verticals. Managing $1.5B AUM and sitting as a Board Observer for various companies, Nishant served as a thought partner to the management teams as he drove strategic initiatives forward. Previously, Nishant was an Associate at Teneo Capital, focusing on M&A, capital raising, and restructuring transactions for clients across the business services, technology, and industrials verticals. Nishant graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in finance and statistics from the Stern School of Business at New York University.

Nishant was born in India and grew up in Brunei and New Jersey. He has lived in NYC, Paris, and Cleveland, but remains a New Yorker at heart.

Fun fact: Nishant loves to travel and lives for the adrenaline rush and stories – scuba diving in Colombia, road-tripping across Spain, horseback riding in the Andes, and town-hopping on a Vespa in Italy.

Grace collaborates with Partners across the firm on key initiatives, including Velocity’s social media strategy. Previously, she was the Executive Assistant for Earl Investments’ President. In that role, she developed comprehensive, generational plans for the President and her family. Grace attended Marquette University, majoring in communications with a minor in advertising.

Grace was born and raised in New Jersey and currently resides in New York City. Grace often visits her family in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where she frequents the beach and plays tennis.

Fun fact: Grace enjoys disposable cameras!