Date: 03.04.2024

by Kajetan Sawicz

Genius Sports Bids Farewell to Director Gabriele Cipparrone After a Transformative Six-Year Tenure

Genius Sports is set to witness a significant change in its executive lineup as Director Gabriele Cipparrone prepares to step down from the Board of Directors later this month. His departure, slated for April 8, 2024, follows a reduction in holdings by Apax Partners LLP, where Cipparrone serves as a partner.

A Period of Remarkable Growth and Expansion

During his six-year tenure, Cipparrone played a pivotal role in steering Genius Sports through a phase of substantial growth and expansion, particularly noting the period since Apax Partners’ investment in the sports technology and data firm. Under his guidance, Genius Sports has not only expanded its global footprint but also significantly boosted its revenue streams, marking its position as a leader in the sportstech and data arena.

Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, expressed his gratitude towards Cipparrone and the Apax team for their invaluable contribution to the company’s journey. “Gabriele, along with the entirety of the Apax team, have been tremendous partners over the six years since their investment, and we thank them for the instrumental role they played in our growth and transformation,” Locke stated.

Genius Sports’ Trajectory of Success

Since the first investment by Apax, Genius Sports has seen a remarkable increase in revenue, from $85 million at the end of 2018 to an impressive £413 million in 2023. This financial growth aligns with the company’s strategic expansion and its successful partnerships with some of the world’s most prominent sports leagues and bookmakers.

Noteworthy collaborations include an analytics partnership with the NBA through its Second Spectrum subsidiary and an exclusive data partnership with the Premier League, FootballDataCo, English Football League (EFL), and Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).

Cipparrone’s Parting Words and Future Outlook

Reflecting on his time with Genius Sports, Cipparrone shared his positive outlook on the company’s future. “Genius Sports has been an excellent investment for the Apax Funds, and as the company reaches the three-year anniversary of its successful public listing on the NYSE, I feel confident in its long-term financial and strategic position,” he remarked.

Cipparrone’s confidence in Genius Sports’ market-leading position and its trajectory of profitable growth speaks volumes about the firm’s potential and the foundation laid during his time on the board.

Our Comment on the Departure

Gabriele Cipparrone’s departure from Genius Sports marks the end of an era of transformative growth and strategic expansion for the company. His tenure has been characterized by significant milestones and partnerships that have cemented Genius Sports’ position in the global sportstech and data landscape. As Genius Sports continues to navigate the dynamic world of sports technology and data, the groundwork laid by Cipparrone and his dedication to the company’s vision will undoubtedly continue to influence its future endeavors and successes.