VARCIS Launches Asia’s First Venture Capital Fund For Sports And Sports Technology

VARCIS Capital today launches the world’s first Asia-focused Venture Capital Firm focused on Sports, Media, Fitness, Wellness, Health and Human Performance

HONG KONG, Sept. 25, 2019 (PRNewswire) VARCIS Capital today announces the launch of the world’s first Asia-focused Sports Technology Investment and Advisory House. Headquartered in Hong Kong and with imminent leadership announcements to be made in China and Australia, VARCIS has a vision to be the world’s most important Sports Technology and Human Performance platform in Asia.

Sports Tech in Asia

“Varcis Capital and our partners are committed to the intersection of Sports and Technology in Asia – specifically Sport, Fitness, Health, Medical, Wellness, eSports and Human Performance – making direct investments and transaction advice to companies,” said Mr. Phillip King, Founder and Managing Partner of Varcis Capital. “The first problem with the global landscape is the majority of Venture Capital for the Sports Technology industry is American centric which represents only 5% of the world’s human population — Asia has 62% of the world’s population (4.7 billion people) and home to fastest-markets growing at 20% CAGR at the intersection of sports, fitness, health, wellness and technology.”

Activities of Varcis Capital

  • Varcis Capital has created a world-class leadership team, combining elite sports experience, investment management and brand licensing, venture growth research and transaction advice in Asia.
  • The Varcis Investment Division will write Seed and Series A cheques of between $500,000 – $5,000,000 USD.
  • The Varcis Transactional Team will provide expertise – from M&A, IPO and Due Diligence advice, technical expertise and brand distribution licensing – to fast-track companies looking to expand, create and monetize sports in Asia

Global Ecosystem, Partnerships, Research-focus and Results

  • The VARCIS global partner network has access to tens of thousands of sports teams, leagues and organizations in Asia and internationally – as well as the world’s leading sports entrepreneurs and exciting young companies.
  • Key geographic focus markets include – China, Australia, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines and Korea and all 48 countries across the Asia region.
  • Varcis will establish physical offices in Hong Kong, Beijing and Melbourne in 2020.

For further information, please visit the Varcis Capital website at www.varcis.com or email Mr. Phillip King (phillip.king@varciscapital.com)

Media contact:

Mr. John R Persico
Varcis Capital
(402) 355-406
www.varcis.com

4 coaches from the Americas shortlisted as “Future Stars” by Arsenal and WorldRemit

The coaches will be rewarded for their contributions to their communities with Arsenal youth shirts for their team

London, UK – Sept. 19, 2019 (PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE) Today, WorldRemit announces that 4 applicants from the Americas have been shortlisted for its Future Stars programme. Of these 4 coaches, one is a woman.

WorldRemit and Arsenal launched the second edition of the Future Stars programme in August to recognise the valuable contributions that grassroots youth football coaches make to their communities by teaching the children they train life skills on and off the pitch.

Gilberto Silva – Arsenal player
Gilberto Silva – Arsenal player
Through the programme, WorldRemit will sponsor two winners – one male and one female – to fly to London for a personalised training session with Arsenal Football Development coaches.

Entries for Future Stars closed on 4 September, and the programme received over 1,400 entries from coaches from across Africa and the Americas.

A panel of judges from WorldRemit and Arsenal Football Development reviewed the applications and selected 20 semi-finalists, including 4 coaches from the Americas, based on the following criteria:

  • The commitment of the coach to improving the lives of their community
  • The impact the coach has had on young people within their community
  • The strength of the coach’s proposal to pass on their training on their return home

In recognition of their commitment to using football to bring their communities together, the 20 semi-finalists will receive Arsenal shirts for their youth squad.

What’s next for the semi-finalists?

From the 20 semi-finalists, the judging panel will select eight coaches – four male and four female – as finalists. Their stories will be shared on futurestars.worldremit.com in late October and the two winners will be chosen based on a public vote on the website.

Daniel Canning, Managing Director of North America said: “Congratulations to the 4 semi-finalists from across the Americas!

“Our business is all about connecting communities, no matter where they are in the world. We developed Future Stars to celebrate the amazing work that football coaches do to support young people, and have been so impressed by the quality and diversity of the applications this year.”

Simon McManus, Head Coach at Arsenal Football Development, added: “Arsenal is thrilled to partner with WorldRemit to recognize coaches who use the power of football to inspire and support young people across the globe.

“We have one of the most successful women’s sides in the world and are committed to encouraging greater participation in the sport among women. Through this edition of Future Stars, we hope to further amplify the positive impact that female coaches have on their communities.”

Coaches in the Future Stars shortlist from the Americas

Colombia

Luis Alejandro Castañeda Vargas, Coach at Cundinamarca Soccer team in Bogota.

Vivian Johana Pirateque Garzón, Coach at Iguaran F. C. Academy, in Bogota.

Mexico

Arnaldo Correa Plata, Coach in Mexico City.

Jamaica

Tashana Samantha Vincent, Coach at Ballaz International and St. Hugh Preparatory in Portmore.

About WorldRemit
WorldRemit is changing the way people send money. It’s easy – just open the app or visit the website – no more agents, no more queues.

  • Send money 24/7 from 50 to 150 countries.
  • More ways to receive money (mobile money, bank transfer, cash pickup, and mobile airtime top-up).
  • Our award-winning customer service team are available to help 24/7.
  • Over 125,000 5-star reviews for our app.
  • Backed by Accel, TCV and Leapfrog – early investors in Facebook, Netflix and Slack.

WorldRemit’s global headquarters are in London, UK with offices in the United States, Canada, Colombia, South Africa, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

About Arsenal

Arsenal Football Club was born when a group of workers at Dial Square armaments factory in Woolwich, notably exiled Scotsman David Danskin and Jack Humble, decided to form a football team to break the monotony of factory life.

Since that Dial Square team played its first match against Eastern Wanderers in 1886, Arsenal has gone on to become one of London’s most successful football clubs and one of the most famous names in modern football with millions of passionate followers worldwide.

Steeped in history and tradition, Arsenal Football Club has thrived on a pioneering and innovative spirit that has existed throughout its 133 years in existence. While society and football may have changed during this time, Arsenal has always served to create a sense of community for people in north London, across the UK and around the world.

Since 2015 Arsenal have operated a commercial office in Singapore, as well as at Highbury House, north London.

Isabel Bolivar
ibolivar@worldremit.com
Marketing Manager, North America