Cambodia Investment Review
In episode 140 of the Rising Giants podcast, Vansa Chatikavanij, a partner at Present Ventures, shared her insights on the emerging landscape of ‘Sports 3.0’ and its potential within the ASEAN region. Present Ventures is a global investment firm dedicated to shaping the future of sports through technology, entertainment and fan engagement innovation. Vansa leads strategy and portfolio development at the firm, leveraging over 20 years of experience in technology investment across fintech, digital assets, and sports.
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Vansa Chatikavanij journey into the sports industry has been anything but conventional. Raised in Thailand in an athletic household, she moved to the United States at the age of 11 to pursue a balanced combination of education, life experiences, and sporting opportunities. She went on to become an All-American swimmer at Middlebury College before earning her master’s degree at Columbia University. Following her graduation, she joined the World Bank, focusing on implementing remote sensing and satellite imagery technology to enhance decision-making processes for high-risk infrastructure project financing in regions with limited on-ground data. “Working across 13 countries at a young age taught me a lot about adaptability,” Vansa noted, emphasizing the value of diverse experiences.
In 2015, after recognizing the potential of blockchain technology, she departed from the World Bank to launch a peer-to-peer lending startup utilizing Ethereum. Although this venture was ahead of its time, it enabled her to establish contacts within the emerging tech ecosystem. This led her to join Omise (now OPN), a venture-backed fintech company, where she gained deep insights into consumer behavior and conversions. These experiences ultimately paved the way for her transition to sports and technology investing with Present Ventures.
The Emergence of ‘Sports 3.0’
Present Ventures, co-founded with Kit Hawkins, positions itself as a capital partner and strategic advisor to growth-stage companies in the sports, technology, and entertainment sectors. The firm aims to harness the potential of ‘Sports 3.0,’ a new phase in the sports industry characterized by technological advancements and evolving fan interactions.
The ‘Sports 3.0’ era marks a significant shift in how fans engage with sports. Previously categorized as Sports 1.0 and 2.0, these phases saw fans primarily consuming content through traditional media and later through digital platforms and social media, respectively. Vansa explained, “Now, we’re entering a transformative phase where fans are not just passive consumers; they are actively engaging in personalized and immersive experiences.”
According to Vansa, today’s “Sports 3.0 Fans” are tech-savvy individuals who prefer unique interactions with athletes and teams. They often follow individual athletes rather than traditional teams and seek content that intertwines sports with entertainment and cultural narratives.
This evolution presents substantial investment opportunities. The global sports market is projected to grow from $487 billion in 2022 to $623 billion by 2027, significantly outpacing the global movie market. “The emerging revenue streams emphasize innovative, brand-led engagement strategies over traditional models, creating fertile ground for investment,” Vansa added.
Navigating Opportunities in ASEAN
Highlighting a successful case study, she referred to the popular Netflix series “Drive to Survive,” which has introduced new audiences to Formula 1 racing. This cross-pollination between sports and entertainment exemplifies how brands can leverage cultural moments—such as the extensive coverage of Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl halftime show—to engage wider audiences. Vansa emphasized, “There are many innovative ways to integrate sports with other cultural phenomena.”
Vansa also pointed to two main areas ripe for development in ‘Sports 3.0’: fan engagement and player performance analytics. She believes that harnessing massive amounts of player data will significantly enhance both areas, offering new ways to connect with fans and optimize athlete training.
Another notable trend discussed was the rise of women’s sports. Vansa highlighted the shift in advertising focus toward women viewers and the growing interest in women’s athletic events, suggesting that this demographic has been undervalued despite its significant audience reach. “As we see women’s sports gain visibility, brands must adapt their marketing strategies to reflect this shift,” she remarked.
Opportunity For Innovation In The Cambodian Market
In terms of potential in the ASEAN region, Vansa identified a growing opportunity for innovative players in the sports market. “For instance, making golf more accessible through indoor, air-conditioned simulators could attract more participants. Traditional 18-hole courses are often too time-consuming and expensive for many,” co-host Max Thornton noted. While Vansa also mentioned the potential for sports like basketball to thrive in countries such as the Philippines, driven by local interest and cultural relevance.
As Vansa reflects on her unconventional path, she encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and explore opportunities outside of traditional frameworks. “”If someone can’t put you in a box, that’s your superpower,” she advised.
With Vansa’s expertise and Present Ventures’ commitment to investing in the future of sports, the firm is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of ‘Sports 3.0’ and unlock new growth opportunities across ASEAN and beyond.
