According to a US report, one of Leeds United’s minority investors is a venture capital firm with headquarters in Seattle.
Bloomberg, a financial media outlet, claims to have seen documents attesting to Ackerley Partners‘ participation in Leeds as a minority investor. It is believed that in addition to funding from 49ers Enterprises’ majority ownership, which was confirmed over the summer and affirmed by Companies House with the change in directorship in September, their “strategic capital will be used to boost both the commercial and football operations of the club.”
Ackerley is led by brothers Ted and Chris Ackerley, sons of former Seattle SuperSonics owner Barry, who also founded the WNBA‘s Seattle Storm. The holding company is also said to have a minority stake in NHL team Seattle Kraken and a keen interest in sporting philanthropy.
According to the YEP, Ackerley was among the initial tranche of minority investors, which included PGA Tour golfer Jordan Spieth, and their identity has only recently become public, as opposed to reports suggesting their involvement was more recent.
According to Bloomberg, the 49ers’ hierarchy in Leeds is considering bringing in additional investors as the club launches an assault on automatic promotion, though such reports have yet to be confirmed.
Over the summer, Leeds confirmed their new-look board of directors, with Andrea Radrizzani, Massimo Marinelli, and Sandro Mencucci stepping down as the former relinquished control of the club. Entrepreneur Rudy Cline-Thomas has joined the board of directors, which now includes chairman Paraag Marathe, Peter Lowy, Angus Kinnear, and Cline-Thomas.
Morrie Eisenberg, whose business expertise and operations management experience at various California-based companies made him a prime candidate for the newly-established role at Elland Road, was also announced as the club’s new chief operating officer last month.
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