PHNX Sports Partners Acquires Ventnor Ventures, Recently Launched $5M Capital Raise to Fund Sports Tech and Talent Infrastructure

PHNX Sports Partners, a Chicago-based investment and operating company focused on building and scaling companies across the sports industry, announced today the acquisition of Ventnor Ventures, a boutique consulting and investment firm with a track record of supporting start-ups in youth sports, emerging media, and infrastructure. The move expands PHNX’s leadership team and adds advisory depth and operational firepower to its growing portfolio.

 

The acquisition brings Ventnor Ventures principals Rob Johnson and Taryn McCarty into integrated roles, contributing their experience and leadership across PHNX’s portfolio companies on a project and strategic initiative basis. Johnson, formerly with the Philadelphia Flyers and Playfly Sports, and McCarty, a strategist with experience at Polygon Labs and Nerd Street Gamers, will support cross-portfolio growth while continuing to drive innovation and customer acquisition strategy within the PHNX ecosystem.

 

The deal also formalizes Advance Sports, a Ventnor Ventures portfolio company, as an official part of the PHNX portfolio. Founded in January 2024 by former Comcast Spectacor executive Pete Powell, Advance Sports has led executive searches for PHNX and will now provide HR consulting and talent strategy across the entire portfolio. With sports hiring and front-office talent demand surging, the addition of Advance positions PHNX to capitalize on growing demand in a rapidly consolidating segment of the industry.

 

PHNX and its portfolio companies have an active capital raise in excess of $5 million aimed at fueling its expansion. The special-purpose vehicle (SPV) targets early-stage technologies and services that deliver scalable value to properties, leagues, and rightsholders — including athlete development platforms, back-office automation tools, and AI-powered fan engagement.

“Bringing Ventnor Ventures into PHNX is a strategic win,” said Bob Barnett, Managing Partner of PHNX Sports Partners. “Rob and Taryn have a pulse on where sports tech and community-driven models are heading. With their leadership and the addition of Advance Sports, we’re better equipped to help our companies grow and shape the future of this industry.”

 

Since its founding in 2023, Ventnor Ventures has played a role in building out early-stage companies, launching the ACTIV Sports Summit, and advising entrepreneurs working at the intersection of sports, media, and digital culture. The firm’s integration into PHNX bolsters its consulting and capital stack — and reinforces PHNX’s portfolio thesis: invest early, build with founders, and create infrastructure that supports every level of sport.

 

“Joining PHNX gives us the platform to scale our vision and accelerate growth for the companies we believe in,” said Taryn McCarty. “There’s massive opportunity in the infrastructure that powers participation, engagement, and monetization in sports. We’re excited to build it — and now we have the tools to do it faster.”

 

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but the deal includes a combination of equity and advisory integration, with Johnson and McCarty assuming leadership roles across PHNX’s portfolio.

 

About PHNX Sports Partners: PHNX Sports Partners is an investment and operating company specializing in disruptive technologies and scalable service platforms in the sports industry. Based in Chicago, PHNX owns and invests in companies that deliver strategy, operations, and digital solutions across all levels of competition — from youth to professional. Portfolio companies include Atavus, Vizual Edge, FanFood, LeagueSpot, and Fusesport. Learn more at phnxsports.com.

 

About Ventnor Ventures: Ventnor Ventures was a consulting and investment firm focused on supporting overlooked, early-stage companies in sports and emerging media. Founded in 2023, the firm advised and invested in ventures at the intersection of participation, infrastructure, and innovation — including Advance Sports and the ACTIV Sports Summit. It was acquired by PHNX Sports Partners in 2025.