Claire specializes in branding, messaging, and creative communication strategies. With a personal and creative
We are a community-powered fund investing in AI-native, dual-use technology validated in sports, scaled to health, enterprise, and consumer markets.
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Backed by 50+ sports leaders and Mercury Fund
50+ sports leaders across teams, leagues, media, brand, agencies, and tech
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Blair Garrou
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Mercury Fund
Where We Invest: AI-Native, Dual-Use Sports Technology.
AI & Data
INTELLIGENCE
Machine learning infrastructure • predictive analytics engines - computer vision (scales into healthcare diagnostics, enterprise intelligence, defense) • real-time data pipelines • automated decision-support systems (scales into enterprise operations)
Media INFRASTRUCTURE
Real-time broadcast systems • content production automation (scales into broadcast networks, OTT platforms) • live graphics and data visualization (scales into enterprise communications) - media operations systems (scales into media production workflows) - streaming infrastructure (scales into enterprise video distribution, telecom) • broadcast compliance and security
Performance & Health
Real-time athlete monitoring systems (scales into clinical health monitoring) • diagnostic and recovery (scales into orthopedics, rehabilitation systems) • biomechanics analysis (scales into industrial ergonomics, robotics) • performance data platforms • mental performance tracking (scales into enterprise wellness) • integrated health management
VENUES & OPERATORS
Access control and identity (scales into smart cities, enterprise security) - smart venue operating systems (scales into facility management, enterprise infrastructure) - compliance automation (scales into regulated industries) • operational automation (scales into enterprise logistics) - IoT and connectivity (scales into edge computing, enterprise networks) • event management
Emerging LEAGUES & FRANCHISE
Al-native technology for digitally native leagues • realtime distributed operations platforms • modular, scalable franchise infrastructure (scales into enterprise operations, distributed workforce management) • women's sports league technology • global emerging sports format infrastructure (scales into international operations, localized platforms) - direct-to-consumer franchise engagement
AI Native: What it means at The Collectiv
At The Collectiv, we invest in companies where Al is architected from the ground up as a core component of how your product works — not as a feature you added later.
The critical test: if your Al were removed, would your product cease to be useful? If yes, you're Al-native. We're looking for founders building infrastructure that's validated first in sports' high-intensity, real-time environment and architected to scale across healthcare, enterprise, and consumer markets, creating defensible competitive advantages that compound over time.
01
AI infrastructure for real-time market operations at scale
AI infrastructure that industrializes the creation, pricing, and resolution of markets on real-world events — automatically, at supercompute scale, in under 50 milliseconds. 500+ operators, 40+ countries, 1M+ markets per day. Co-investors: NBA, KB Partners.
02
Media infrastructure that scales beyond sports
Distributed video network management platform with partnerships including FloSports, Sportradar, and Nokia — reshaping how sports content is captured and distributed. Co-investors: Cercano Management.
03
Ultrasonic proximity technology for loyalty, payments, and identity
Global leader in ultrasonic proximity technology — revolutionizing loyalty, payments, and identity across sports venues, events, and enterprise environments. Co-investors: Mercury Fund, South Loop Ventures.
04
Team
USA
Emerging sports property with asymmetric upside
Minority ownership in the U.S. team of SailGP — the "F1 of Sailing" — backed by Rolex, Emirates, and Larry Ellison, with CBS Paramount media rights. Co-investors: Avenue Sports Fund, Elway Capital.
Backed by and built alongside
50+ sports leaders.
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In the News
Feb. 4th, 2026
Dec. 23, 2025
Ashley’s work has been featured in leading media outlets, including ESPN, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, The Sports Business Journal, and Front Office Sports.
- 30+ years executive and advisory experience
- Knowledge in all aspects of finance, strategy, contracts, administration, risk management, sales, marketing, human resources, operations, and executive management.
- Texas CPA
- 25+ years executive and investment experience
- Venture Partner, Mercury Fund
- Founder, Urban Capital Network
- Startup Founder, Investor, and Advisor at multiple public and private boards
- M&A & Div. President, Insperity
- B.S. Finance / MBA Marketing
- 30+ years venture, executive, and advisory experience
- Expertise in all aspects of finance, strategy, contracts, administration, risk management, sales, marketing, human resources, operations, and executive management
- Co-Founder, Managing Partner of early-stage VC firm Mercury Fund, with $1B AUM
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Results That Drive Impact
In a world full of chatter, we focus on making an impact. Every strategy we craft and every message we share is designed to connect.
We believe in the power of data to tell a story. Our approach combines creativity with analytics, ensuring every campaign delivers results.
The Power of Collabs
We don’t see ourselves as just an agency—we see ourselves as an extension of your team. Collaboration is at the core of our work, allowing us to combine your insights with our expertise.
Every brand is unique, and so is our approach. We adapt to your needs, working flexibly and transparently to ensure every strategy feels personal and effective.
Below are the various industry leaders we target to join The Collectiv which encompasses the entire sports ecosystem.
Every project begins with understanding your brand, goals, and audience. We dive deep to uncover what makes your brand unique, then craft a tailored strategy that meets your specific needs. Our approach is flexible and adaptive, ensuring that every step aligns with your vision and objectives.
You’ll be partnered with a dedicated team of specialists, each bringing expertise in different areas to create a well-rounded approach. From strategists to content creators, our team collaborates with you closely, guiding you through each step, providing insights, and ensuring a seamless experience.
Timelines vary depending on the project’s scope and complexity. From the start, we provide a clear schedule so you know what to expect, and we keep you updated at every milestone. Our goal is to balance quality with efficiency, delivering impactful results within a timeframe that meets your needs.
Success means more than completion—it’s about delivering measurable impact. We set clear, achievable goals and use data to track progress along the way. By monitoring key metrics, we gain insights into what’s working, optimize our approach, and ensure we’re achieving results that truly matter for your brand.
Yes! We can work with your existing brand assets or help you develop new ones if needed. Whether you’re looking to refresh, evolve, or start from scratch, we adapt our approach to suit your brand identity. Our flexibility ensures that we integrate seamlessly with your current materials while enhancing them with .