Como 1907 Launches Startup Platform With Players Fund

Como 1907, the Italian football club, has launched Como Ventures, a startup and investment platform created in partnership with The Players Fund, an athlete-led venture capital firm. This initiative aims to support early-stage companies by offering them access to Como’s infrastructure, brand and operations, while also connecting them with athletes, investors and industry professionals. The goal is to create a founder-first launchpad where startups can test their ideas in real-world environments and accelerate their path to market.

The program is open to startups working in six specific growth areas: luxury hospitality and travel, media technology, merchandising and retail infrastructure, health technology and human performance, next-generation mobility and sustainability. Selected companies will be invited to present their concepts at a Pitch Day in November, after which chosen startups will enter a six-month activation phase. During this period, they will integrate into Como’s ecosystem, utilising the club’s facilities, fanbase and operations as practical testing grounds. The journey will culminate in a Demo Day later in the season, providing founders with a platform to showcase their progress and attract further investment or partnerships.

For Como 1907, this project aligns with the club’s ambition to position itself as more than just a football team. With its rich heritage, global appeal and unique setting on Lake Como, the club sees this venture as part of its broader cultural and commercial identity. Como Ventures aims to strengthen the connections between sport, tourism and business, using the club’s platform to highlight emerging ideas and disruptive technologies.

The Players Fund adds value through its expertise in venture capital and its network of athletes. Their model has already facilitated connections between professional athletes and entrepreneurial projects, offering startups both financial support and ambassadorial backing. In this partnership, Como will provide the operational platform. At the same time, The Players Fund may choose to invest in selected startups, giving them the resources to scale and expand internationally.

Strategically, Como Ventures reflects a growing trend of sports clubs entering the innovation economy. By providing startups with infrastructure, fan engagement channels and commercial visibility, clubs are evolving into business incubators. For Como, the challenge will be balancing sporting priorities with entrepreneurial ambitions. However, the potential reward lies in creating a portfolio of successful ventures that not only generate returns but also reinforce the club’s position as a forward-thinking organisation at the intersection of sport, culture and business.