Hi, I'm Claude Ruibal - Co-Founder and Managing Partner at SMRF Capital investing in sports and advisor to start-ups; supporting innovation in Digital Media, Content Creation and Distribution strategies
I'm passionate about building and investing in the future of sports and media. I thrive on identifying disruptive technologies and scaling innovative ventures, especially at the intersection of digital content and global commerce. Let's connect!
At a glance
Curated signals on strengths, focus areas, and how they can help.
Interned at Google, driving global sports content strategy.
Co-founder and Managing Partner at SMRF Capital, investing in sports and digital media startups.
Can help others by providing strategic investment guidance for early-stage sports and media ventures.
🚀 Career trajectory
Foundation in Sports Management
Began career driving football management and sponsorship for major brands like Coca-Cola.
✦ Sports Marketing
✦ Brand Management
Global Digital Media Leadership
Led global sports content strategy at Google, shaping digital media presence.
✦ Digital Media
✦ Content Strategy
✦ Global Leadership
Venture Capital and Advisory Roles
Transitioned to investment and advisory, focusing on startups and media innovation.
✦ Venture Capital
✦ Startup Advisory
✦ Board Leadership
Current Investment Focus
Co-founding SMRF Capital to invest in sports-related ventures and digital innovation.
✦ Investment
✦ Sports Tech
✦ Media
💪🏻 Superpowers
Global Sports Ecosystem Navigator
Leveraging deep industry relationships to drive strategic growth and innovation.
✦ Connects leagues, teams, broadcasters, sponsors, and athletes for new ventures.
✦ Expertise in content production, distribution, and monetization strategies.
✦ Advises startups on scaling in digital media and sports.
Venture Creation Architect
Proven track record in conceptualizing, funding, and scaling new businesses.
✦ Successfully launched and managed new ventures from seed to growth stages.
✦ Skilled in early-stage planning, fundraising (seed, venture, PE), and legal structuring.
✦ Drives strategic partnerships and builds high-performing multinational teams.
Digital Media Monetization Pioneer
Expertise in developing and executing strategies for online content and e-commerce.
✦ Develops front and back-end streaming solutions for consumer content.
✦ Executes integrated marketing and sales programs across digital and traditional channels.
✦ Drives revenue growth through innovative monetization and e-commerce initiatives.
I'm excited about
✦ Connecting with innovators and entrepreneurs in sports and media tech.
✦ Exploring new investment opportunities in emerging digital content platforms.
✦ Seeking collaborations to scale disruptive technologies in entertainment and sports.
I can help with
✦ Provide strategic investment guidance for early-stage sports and media ventures.
✦ Offer expertise in scaling content creation, distribution, and monetization models.
✦ Facilitate introductions to key stakeholders within the global sports ecosystem.
I would love your help on
✦ Identifying promising startups at the intersection of sports, media, and technology.
✦ Gaining insights into emerging consumer trends in digital entertainment.
✦ Connecting with potential co-investors for venture opportunities.