Episode Details

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, we speak with Mohit Pareek, Partner at Drake Star and one of the most respected voices in global sports, media, and technology M&A.

Mohit is a seasoned tech and digital media investment banker with more than 15 years of experience advising on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raises across sports, gaming, media, and entertainment. He is also the lead author of the widely followed Drake Star Global SportsTech Report, a must-read resource for founders, investors, and executives tracking deal activity, valuations, and emerging trends across the sports ecosystem.

During the conversation, Mohit shares his journey from growing up in India in an entrepreneurial family to becoming an award-winning investment banker involved in 45+ M&A transactions. We dive into what Drake Star looks for when backing sports tech companies, the importance of founding teams and scalability, and how strategic partnerships can unlock the next phase of growth.

We also explore where Mohit sees the sports industry heading next, including:

• Consolidation in performance data and sports technology

• The growing role of AI in fan engagement, media, and operations

• Why women’s sports may be the fastest-growing and most monetizable asset class in sports

• How private equity, family offices, and technology are reshaping team valuations

This episode is packed with insights for sports founders, operators, and investors looking to understand how capital, technology, and strategy intersect in the modern sports economy.