
The Raine Group is a leading investment firm that has made a significant impact in the sports and media industry. Founded in 2013, the firm has a strong track record of investing in companies that are poised for growth and success.
The Raine Group has a diverse portfolio of investments, with a focus on sports, media, and technology. One of their notable investments is the Los Angeles Dodgers, which they acquired in 2012.
Led by Scott Jenkins, the firm has a team of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their investments. Jenkins has a background in investment banking and private equity, which has been instrumental in the firm's success.
About The Raine Group
The Raine Group is a global sports, media, and technology merchant bank. They are a unique firm that combines the expertise of a traditional investment bank with the creativity and innovation of a startup.
The Raine Group was founded in 2013 by Scott Sassa, who brought a background in media and entertainment to the table. This foundation has allowed them to navigate the complex world of sports and media with ease.
Their team is comprised of experienced professionals from various industries, including sports, media, and technology. This diverse background has enabled them to provide a wide range of services to their clients.
Background
Raine was co-founded by Joseph Ravitch and Jeffrey Sine in September 2009.
Ravitch was previously co-head of Goldman Sachs' media banking division, while Sine was Vice Chairman and head of TMT banking at UBS.
The firm's name Raine comes from an amalgamation of Ravitch's and Sine's surnames with the "e" on the end coming from Ari Emanuel, an initial backer who headed William Morris Endeavor.
One of Raine's first major deals was advising William Morris Agency on its merger with Endeavor Talent Agency to form William Morris Endeavor.
In March 2010, Mubadala Investment Company acquired a 9% stake of Raine.
Raine also entered an exclusive relationship with William Morris Endeavor and Theodore J. Forstmann as investors.
SoftBank Group holds a small stake of Raine.
In April 2023, Raine acquired Code Advisors, a San Francisco-based boutique investment bank that focuses on TMT.
Sine is more active on the advisory side, while Ravitch is more active on the investment side.
The Raine Group
The Raine Group is a leading M&A adviser in the sports industry, co-founded in 2009 by Joe Ravitch, a former Goldman Sachs sports banker. They've had a hand in some big deals, including the sales of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Colin Neville oversees both the advisory and investment practices at Raine. He's also a board member of the Premier Lacrosse League, in which Raine has a stake. This shows the firm's diversification into various aspects of the sports industry.
Raine's investment portfolio includes DraftKings, a leading sports betting platform. They've also had a stake in Thrill One Sports & Entertainment, which they sold for a reported $300 million in 2022.
Here are some of the areas Raine focuses on:
- Media
- Tech
- Executive Transactions
- Marketing
- International
- Data
- Franchises
- Esports
- Betting
- Colleges
- Facilities
- Events and Attractions
- Finance
- Labor and Agents
- Leagues
- Olympics
- Opinion
- People and Pop Culture
- Sports and Society
Raine's fourth fund closed in July, with a total of $760 million. This significant investment will likely enable the firm to continue its growth and involvement in the sports industry.
Business and Investments
The Raine Group has a significant presence in the investment world. It raised over $300 million for its first private equity fund in 2010, which focused on media companies.
This fund received backing from notable investors such as William Morris Endeavor and Masayoshi Son. By April 2011, the fund had grown to nearly $500 million, with additional investors like WPP plc and Eric Schmidt on board.
Some of Raine's notable investments include Vice Media, DraftKings, Jagex, and SoundCloud.
Andrea Pascual
Andrea Pascual is a seasoned professional with a strong background in sports business, having been a seven-year veteran at Raine and involved in numerous transactions.
She holds a degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, with concentrations in management and marketing.
Her experiences have shown that the sports industry is evolving beyond the "old boys club" stereotype, with professionals willing to share ideas and work together.
The passion-driven nature of sports business fosters innovation and new concepts that drive the industry forward.
Andrea's favorite aspect of attending a sporting event is the energy and entertainment, whether on or off the field.
Business Activities
Business Activities can be a crucial aspect of any company's success. Notable deals it has worked on include the ones mentioned earlier.
Companies that excel in Business Activities often have a keen eye for opportunity. They're able to identify and capitalize on deals that others might overlook.
Experience has shown that staying informed and adaptable is key to thriving in Business Activities. This means being aware of market trends and adjusting strategies accordingly.
Notable deals it has worked on include: a recent partnership with a major industry player, and a strategic acquisition that expanded its reach into new markets.
Investments
Raine has a history of investing in media companies, raising over $300 million for its first private equity fund in September 2010.
Its investors included notable names like William Morris Endeavor, Forstmann, and Masayoshi Son.
Raine's fund had grown to nearly $500 million by April 2011, with additional backers such as WPP plc and Eric Schmidt.
The fund's notable investments include Vice Media, DraftKings, Jagex, and SoundCloud.
Raises $760M for Fund
The Raine Group has raised a whopping $760 million for its latest growth equity fund, Raine Partners IV. This brings their total Assets Under Management to nearly $4 billion.
This fund will invest in growth-stage TMT companies, with a focus on sports, media, entertainment, and gaming. Raine Group has a strong track record of investing in transformative growth companies within these core sectors.
Raine Partners IV has already made its first investment in Tripledot Studios, a prominent mobile games developer. This company has topped the FT/Statista ranking as Europe's fastest-growing company.

Raine Group's new fund was supported by its "strong base of limited partners", which includes public pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional investors. This vote of confidence from their limited partners is a testament to the firm's reputation and expertise.
The Raine Group's Co-Founder and Partner, John Salter, is excited about the first investment from Raine Partners IV in Tripledot Studios. He believes the company is one of the strongest in casual gaming and looks forward to working with their team to drive continued growth.
Expansion and Growth
The Raine Group has expanded its reach through strategic investments in various industries.
The firm has invested in a number of sports teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Their investment in the 76ers has been particularly successful, with the team's value increasing by 20% in 2020.
Raine Group's growth has also been driven by its expertise in the technology and media sectors.
The firm has invested in companies such as Airbnb, which has revolutionized the way people travel and find accommodations.
Their investment in Airbnb has been a key factor in the company's rapid growth and success.
Raine Group's ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends has been a key driver of its expansion and growth.
The firm has a strong track record of making strategic investments that pay off over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Raine Group pay well?
Yes, Raine Group offers a competitive salary, with an average annual compensation of $102,498. If you're interested in learning more about the company's benefits and work environment, keep reading.
Who is the founder of The Raine Group?
The Raine Group was co-founded by Joseph Ravitch and Jeffrey Sine in September 2009. They are the pioneers behind this venture.
How many employees does The Raine Group have?
The Raine Group has approximately 235 employees. Learn more about their team and investment strategies.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raine_Group
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news/the-raine-group/
- https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/11/11/new-voices-under-30-andrea-pascual
- https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/05/27/power-players-the-raine-group
- https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/the-raine-group-raises-760m-for-latest-growth-equity-fund/
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