Technology
Global Investment Giant IFC (World Bank) Invests in VUZ $12M Pre-Series C, the World’s Leading Immersive Media Company
IFC investment supports VUZ’s international expansion, following precedent in scaling telecom and media ventures across the world. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VUZ, the world’s leading immersive media company, has secured the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to invest in its $12M Pre-Series C funding round. […]

IFC investment supports VUZ’s international expansion, following precedent in scaling telecom and media ventures across the world.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VUZ, the world’s leading immersive media company, has secured the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to invest in its $12M Pre-Series C funding round. This strategic investment positions VUZ for accelerated global growth in immersive live streaming and content, AI-driven streaming technologies, and live spatial experiences, building on the next generation of media, the creator economy, sports, and entertainment.

Khaled Zaatarah, Founder of VUZ
The IFC and the World Bank Group collectively manage over $1 trillion in global assets and investment commitments, operating in more than 100 countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record of over $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions to drive sustainable development through the private sector.
This round also includes participation from Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success fund (a pre-IPO venture capital fund), multiple existing investors, and several high-profile Saudi family offices, bolstering VUZ’s presence in key markets across the world.
IFC’s Strategic Role in Telecom and Media Expansion
The investment marks a pivotal collaboration between VUZ and IFC, which is known for its selective backing of global winners, including Souq.com (acquired by Amazon). With over 100 investments in telecom and communications companies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, IFC brings unmatched expertise in market entry and infrastructure scaling across frontier economies.
Through this partnership, VUZ will scale further in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and accelerate expansion, particularly in Africa, the USA, and Asia, where demand for immersive experiences and next-generation media is rising rapidly. The move aligns with IFC’s mission to advance digital inclusion and economic growth through media innovation and connectivity.
A Profitable, Scalable Media Powerhouse
In 2024, VUZ achieved EBITDA profitability, with 80% year-over-year gross profit growth, a significant milestone for a tech streaming scale-up. The company’s platform – home to 30,000+ hours of premium immersive exclusive content – blends XR, VR, AR, and AI-powered media across sports, entertainment, and creator ecosystems. VUZ has a pipeline of partnerships with some of the largest football clubs, giga projects, and global athletes, as well as A-list artists, creators, and ambassadors.
“We are honored to welcome IFC as a strategic investor, said Khaled Zaatarah, Founder of VUZ. With IFC and the World Bank Group’s track record in scaling telecom and digital media companies globally, and over $1 trillion in assets under management, this partnership sets the stage for massive global scale. Together, we’ll bring immersive media to the world’s fastest-growing markets.”
Key highlights:
- 3 billion+ screen views to date; targeting over 5 billion by 2026
- Exclusive immersive content partnerships with LaLiga, Serie A, PFL, and more
- The largest exclusively owned immersive premium content library of over 30,000 hours
- Over 40 global telecom integrations, with 20+ in progress
- Strategic launches across TV Devices, Apple Vision Pro, Oculus, and VUZGo, a new web-embedded immersive tech layer
- 4 global patents powering proprietary streaming technologies
“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. VUZ’s tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators”, said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds.
A Magnet for Global Creators and Partners
VUZ empowers a creator network with a combined global reach exceeding 100 million, offering monetization tools, immersive production capabilities, and a deeply engaging fan experience. Its technology now sits at the center of conversations with device manufacturers, sports federations, and media conglomerates seeking to deliver content that transcends physical limitations.
“This is the scale-up stage we’ve been building toward for years,” Zaatarah added. “With a solid foundation, patented tech, and profitability achieved, we are ready to scale globally and define the future of media.”
World-Class Investor Backing
In addition to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and other recent strategic investors, VUZ is backed by a distinguished and globally diverse group of institutional partners. These include e& capital, KBW Ventures, Al Jazira Capital, DFDF, SRMG Ventures, Caruso Ventures, Shorooq Partners, Plug and Play Ventures, Hala Ventures, Vision Fund, Knollwood Investment Advisory, Panthera Capital, Faith Capital, WIN, Elbert Capital, Yasta Partners, AlTouq Group, Impact46, Media Visions, 500 Startups, DAI, Al Falaj, and DTEC Ventures (Oraseya Capital), along with notable tech leaders including Magnus Olsson, Samih Toukan, and Jonathan Labin – reflecting strong international conviction in VUZ’s vision, performance, and global growth potential.
Technology
Google offers more buyouts amid tech upheaval, antitrust uncertainty
The Associated Press MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (AP) — Google has offered buyouts to another swath of its workforce across several key divisions in a fresh round of cost cutting coming ahead of a court decision that could order a breakup of its internet empire. The Mountain View, California, company confirmed the streamlining that was reported […]

The Associated Press
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (AP) — Google has offered buyouts to another swath of its workforce across several key divisions in a fresh round of cost cutting coming ahead of a court decision that could order a breakup of its internet empire. The Mountain View, California, company confirmed the streamlining that was reported by several news outlets.
Technology
Sports Electronics Devices Market to Observe Strong
Sports Electronics Devices Market Allied Market Research, titled “Sports Electronics Devices Market,” The sports electronics devices market was valued at $19.6 billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach $73.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 14.8% from 2022 to 2031. Get a PDF brochure for Industrial Insights and Business Intelligence @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A31673 […]


Sports Electronics Devices Market
Allied Market Research, titled “Sports Electronics Devices Market,” The sports electronics devices market was valued at $19.6 billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach $73.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 14.8% from 2022 to 2031.
Get a PDF brochure for Industrial Insights and Business Intelligence @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A31673
Sports electronics devices are advanced gadgets designed to boost athletic performance, monitor fitness data, and provide real-time analysis for progress. These devices are used in various sports and fitness activities, benefiting athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and casual users alike in reaching their objectives. One widely used sports electronics device is the fitness tracker, available as wristbands or smartwatches. It keeps tabs on heart rate, step count, distance covered, estimated calorie burn, and even sleep patterns, serving individuals seeking an active and healthy lifestyle.
Another crucial device is the GPS sports watch, which utilizes GPS technology to track routes and measure speed and distance for runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. The data collected aids users in performance analysis, goal setting, and training enhancement. Additionally, there are sports-specific devices like golf GPS watches or cycling computers, catering to golfers and cyclists with features like course maps, swing analysis, and real-time cycling metrics.
Moreover, sports electronics devices include action cameras, beloved by extreme sports enthusiasts. These rugged, compact cameras capture high-quality videos and images, allowing users to document adventures and share them on social media, attracting both recreational users seeking excitement and professional athletes showcasing their skills to a wider audience. Overall, these devices have transformed how athletes and fitness enthusiasts monitor and improve their performance, becoming essential companions for individuals at all fitness levels, from beginners aiming to stay active to elite athletes pursuing competitive success.
Due to increased investment in the sports industry by manufacturing businesses and an increase in the usage of wearable technology by athletes, the market for sports electronics devices globally is anticipated to expand significantly throughout the forecast period. In addition, the need for biosensor solutions is likely to drive the growth of the sports electronics devices market during the forecast period due to advanced technologies being used in fitness and sports facilities to monitor athletes’ biorhythms. However, some of the key issues impeding the growth of the sports electronics devices market are the high initial investment, low budgets, and data privacy and cybersecurity concerns.
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The smart camera segment was the highest contributor to the market in 2021, whereas the pedometers and smart fabrics segments collectively accounted for a notable market share in 2021 for the sports electronics devices industry. The fitness centers segment was the highest revenue contributor in 2021.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY
– In 2021, the pedometers segment accounted for maximum revenue and is projected to grow at a notable CAGR of 16.0% during the forecast period.
– The fitness centers segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2021.
– The fitness centers and sports centers segments collectively accounted for around 82.45% market share in 2021.
– The fitness or heart rate monitors and pedometers segments are expected to witness considerable CAGRs of 18.36% and 16.09%, respectively, during the forecast period.
– North America and Europe collectively accounted for around 67.53% share in 2021.
The overall sports electronics devices market analysis is determined to understand the profitable sports electronics devices market trends to gain a stronger foothold. The key players profiled in the report include Apple, Blast Motion, Catapult Sports, Fitbit (Google), Garmin, Hawk-Eye Innovations (Sony Corporation), Panasonic Corporation, Polar Electro, Adidas, and Zepp. Market players have adopted various strategies, such as product launches, collaboration, partnerships, joint ventures, and acquisitions, to expand their foothold in the sports electronics devices market.
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About Us:
Allied Market Research is a leading provider of market intelligence, offering reports from top technology publishers. Our in-depth market assessments in our research reports take into account significant technological advancements in the sector. In addition to other areas of expertise, AMR focuses on the analysis of high-tech systems and advanced production systems. We have a team of experts who compile thorough research reports and actively advise leading businesses to enhance their current procedures. Our experts have a wealth of knowledge on the topics they cover. Additionally, they employ a range of tools and techniques when gathering and analyzing data, including proprietary data sources.
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This release was published on openPR.
Technology
Netflix Co-CEO Greg Peters on Tariffs, Levy, Ads, Sports Team
Netflix co-chief Greg Peters shared some insight into the global streaming giant’s playbook during The Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit in London on Wednesday, including its thoughts on political proposals in the U.S. and U.K., competition from YouTube, and the streamer’s push into advertising. Asked about a recent proposal from a U.K. parliamentary committee for a […]

Netflix co-chief Greg Peters shared some insight into the global streaming giant’s playbook during The Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit in London on Wednesday, including its thoughts on political proposals in the U.S. and U.K., competition from YouTube, and the streamer’s push into advertising.
Asked about a recent proposal from a U.K. parliamentary committee for a levy of 5 percent of U.K. subscriber revenue on foreign streaming services, including the likes of Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV+ and Disney+, to help finance British drama production, Peters said: “I think it would be a mistake. … I could list 100 titles that were made here in the U.K. that U.K. audiences loved. Whether it’s Adolescence or Toxic Town, the Harlan Coben stuff, such as Fool Me Once, or, even Black Doves.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of possible tariffs on entertainment produced abroad and the debate about how the U.S. could attract more productions was also brought up. Peters in response pointed to the success of the U.K., Netflix’s second-largest production hub behind the U.S. “One of the reasons that we’ve invested a lot here is because there’s incredible infrastructure, there’s incredible talent, and there’s a great production incentives model,” he said. “So everything is in place to make this ecosystem really, really work. And I think that that’s a great example for the United States as well. We have got good infrastructure in many places. We got a lot of great talent. And states are highly competitive with production incentives that allow us to bring more work to places like New Jersey, where we’re building a whole new production facility, or New Mexico, where we’ve built a new production facility. I think that’s probably the model to think about.”
No tariffs worries then? “We try to focus on the things that we can control,” Peters said. “If we have a specific proposal to respond to, we will, but nothing really material yet.”
Some observers have suggested that AI could help further personalize entertainment options served up to subscribers. “There’s a really interesting question around what entertainment experiences people gravitate towards,” Peters said. “There’s no doubt that highly personalized anchors one end … but a shared, a joint experience anchors another end of that. What I think is happening more and more is that we’re actually going to the sort of bimodal distribution of value. So, that middle is the place that’s getting washed out.”
The co-CEO then outlined what that means for companies and their strategies. “There’ll be companies that do an amazing job in the incredibly micro-personalized and maybe to the point of you’re starring in your own narrative,” he said. “There’s a big center of value that we’re really more focused on, which is how do we present a collective experience that we can all talk about. So, if you and I both watched a show like Adolescence, for example, there’s value in us having that shared experience and being able to talk about it.”
User-generated content as competition was also an area Peters discussed, acknowledging that YouTube, for example, was competition for consumers’ time and attention. “We look at YouTube as a training ground for creators,” he highlighted though. Netflix hopes to attract some of them and “give them the opportunity to tell their story in our model which is different from YouTube,” he added. “We fund the productions rather than relying on the creator to fund it. We can typically fund them at a higher level. We have a more efficient monetization model than YouTube does.”
Asked about Netflix’s push into advertising with its ad tier, Peters said: “We’re really just getting started.” When the firm starts something new, it won’t be great at it right away, the executive tends to tell his team. “There’s ton of opportunities for us to extend the way that ads show up” in new formats, in ways that work for audiences and marketers, he mentioned. “Better targeting and better personalization” are among the other future upside areas.
Does Netflix think about itself more like a family or a soccer team? “We definitely think of ourselves as a sports team rather than a family,” Peters explained. “And the thought there is that we want to have an explicit approach that we seek the best players for every position. That means different skill sets in different positions. But it’s not a family situation which is unconditional love.”
The executive’s appearance, entitled “Borderless by Design: Disruption, Scale, and the Global Netflix Playbook,” was live-streamed. “As the streaming landscape evolves, Netflix continues to lead through disruption and expansion,” a description for it said. “Peters discusses what it takes to guide one of the world’s most recognized consumer brands across markets, technologies, and audiences. From navigating cultural complexity to scaling innovation and building new revenue models, Peters shares how Netflix’s leadership approach is shaping the next phase of global growth – and setting the tone for the future of entertainment.”
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said on Tuesday during a visit to Madrid to celebrate the streaming giant’s 10-year anniversary in Spain that the company would invest €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in the country by 2029.
Technology
CEIA’s Luca Cacioli on AI, security and leadership
Periodically, SBJ Tech will feature a content series called Leadership Look-In, where C-suiters in sports tech offer thoughts on their companies, experiences and personnel management. Want to be considered for a future installment? Email me at ejoyce@sportsbusinessjournal.com. Luca Cacioli has been the CEO of CEIA USA for more than six years, guiding the security screening […]

Periodically, SBJ Tech will feature a content series called Leadership Look-In, where C-suiters in sports tech offer thoughts on their companies, experiences and personnel management. Want to be considered for a future installment? Email me at ejoyce@sportsbusinessjournal.com.
Luca Cacioli has been the CEO of CEIA USA for more than six years, guiding the security screening provider that serves multiple industries, such as the federal government, schools, airports and sports venues.
While CEIA doesn’t share client information, it works with hundreds of companies and has decades of experience with stadiums and arenas. Cacioli started his professional career in Italy as an electrical engineer, later shifting to business management and making his way to the top chair of the longtime detector manufacturer. He spoke to SBJ about the security growth he’s seen in sports, the role of AI in the process and the early learnings that prepared him for leadership.
Note: These excerpts have lightly edited for clarity.
On the changes he’s observed in sports and entertainment: “More responsible parties running these events have realized that maybe they could become some kind of target if they didn’t do anything. Maybe some security needed to be taken into account with more drive. And over time, the market has grown because of that. While initially it was more of an … isolated approach, it’s become very pervasive these days. There are very few events that don’t do any kind of screening, or they don’t have the security of certain kind. … And with that, what we’ve learned over the last 10 years is that there is a need in the market to make sure that we give fans a safe experience, but also a positive, quick experience.”
On using AI in the screening process: “Artificial intelligence is a tool. … A detector doesn’t do everything. You need to have a layered approach to your security. I’m trying to draw a parallel here: artificial intelligence can be a useful tool as part of a bigger approach to your design process. … I cannot go through too much of our design process, but I can tell you that AI is a tool which we use when we deem it appropriate.”
On competition: “There is a lot of competition. A lot of competition comes because the market in the last 10 years has increased in size. So, more and more competitors come in. Now, competition is not really a negative thing. Actually, competition helps us be better. So, I personally welcome competition from that point of view.”
On the impact of his family’s business on his transition from engineering: “Growing up in Italy, I worked on my family’s small business, and my family has a very typical Italian olive oil business. I was always growing up in front of customers. It’s really because of my experience and instruction and really working in that environment since I was a teenager, I did not feel like I was having difficulties. I have to say that the MBA [he attended SMU] helped me tremendously to think in a certain way. … I was an engineer, so that definitely opened up my mind a little more.”
On his key leadership learnings as CEO: “First, delegating. I’m not good at delegating. I’m working on it more and more. However, I have realized that once you are able to hire the right people and have the right people in place … delegating comes more easily and more naturally. So, that I had to learn as a younger manager — I wasn’t good at all at that. But also at the time, I didn’t even grasp the importance of having the right team in place. And the right team in place, in my opinion, is not a bunch of people who think like you. Actually, I love a healthy discussion and disagreement in the team. … Diversity of opinions is important, as long as the manager, in this case me, takes responsibility for the decisions made at the team level.”
Technology
Walgreens Is Pitching Advertisers a Data Clean Room
Walgreens is working with LiveRamp to give its advertisers hands-on access to data from its 101 million loyalty program members. Through the partnership, Walgreens Advertising Group—or WAG—is offering a clean room solution that lets advertisers target customized groups of Walgreens customers across walled gardens and the open web. Advertisers can then connect that targeting data […]

Walgreens is working with LiveRamp to give its advertisers hands-on access to data from its 101 million loyalty program members.
Through the partnership, Walgreens Advertising Group—or WAG—is offering a clean room solution that lets advertisers target customized groups of Walgreens customers across walled gardens and the open web. Advertisers can then connect that targeting data back to Walgreen’s sales data, giving a clearer picture of which ads work.
Using LiveRamp’s conversion APIs, advertisers can see “real incremental sales—not attributed sales—on over 450 offsite platforms,” said Abishake Subramanian, group vp of customer marketing and media monetization at Walgreens.
WAG is one of many retail media networks partnering with tech companies to improve their pitch to advertisers as the retail media landscape gets more crowded and more competitive.
“For advertisers to want to continue to spend money—or spend money in the first place—they should have access [to] and understanding of who they’re targeting, why they’re targeting them, and the effectiveness,” Kevin Dunn, svp of brands and agencies at LiveRamp, told ADWEEK.
In addition to improving measurement tools to capture incremental return on ad spend, the LiveRamp deal helps WAG get its clients’ ads into the market faster and allows for more efficient audience targeting and secure data integration, Dunn said.
“The power of retail media is they have the transactions, and so they can really show you—at least within WAG—are you growing a category? Are you getting a new buyer?” Dunn said.
Technology
PlayMetrics and Stack Sports Combine to Create Leader in Sports Software
Merger unites two industry innovators to meet customers’ evolving preferences and ushers in a new era for sports technology RALEIGH, N.C., & DALLAS, June 11, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PlayMetrics, a leading provider of operations management software for youth sports organizations, and Stack Sports, a global technology leader for the sports industry, today announced their merger, creating a […]

Merger unites two industry innovators to meet customers’ evolving preferences and ushers in a new era for sports technology
RALEIGH, N.C., & DALLAS, June 11, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PlayMetrics, a leading provider of operations management software for youth sports organizations, and Stack Sports, a global technology leader for the sports industry, today announced their merger, creating a best-in-class platform in the sports management technology ecosystem. This strategic combination unites two highly complementary and trusted brands, augmenting PlayMetrics’ modern technology platform with the scale, reach, and capabilities of Stack Sports to better serve the evolving needs of sports organizations worldwide. Michael Doernberg, CEO of PlayMetrics, will lead the combined organization as CEO, and Jeff Young, CEO of Stack Sports, will transition to a strategic role as advisor to the board of directors.
Genstar Capital, a leading private equity firm, supported the combination and will be the majority owner of the combined company. As part of the transaction, Genstar acquired PlayMetrics from Blue Star Innovation Partners (“BSIP”), which had been the company’s lead investor since 2023.
PlayMetrics helps customers streamline and modernize every facet of their operations, serving over 2,700 youth sports organizations across a variety of sports. Following a successful expansion beyond its flagship club operating system into governing bodies, leagues, and tournaments – including the acquisition of Crossbar in 2023 – PlayMetrics has experienced unprecedented levels of growth and customer retention over the last few years. Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry.
“Sports organizations are increasingly seeking a single, cohesive platform to manage their daily operations and complex business needs,” said Mr. Doernberg. “PlayMetrics has been transformational in delivering a one-stop solution for members, coaches, directors, and administrators. By joining forces with Stack Sports, we further enhance our ability to serve our customers with innovative, reliable, and intuitive software.”
“This merger marks an exciting new chapter for the sports technology industry,” said Mr. Young. “We have long admired the PlayMetrics brand, and by combining our strengths, we will accelerate the speed at which new products are released, customer service is delivered, and industry relationships are forged.”
“The combination of PlayMetrics and Stack Sports creates one of the largest sports technology platforms delivering comprehensive, market-leading solutions to clubs, leagues, tournaments, state associations, and governing bodies,” said Eli Weiss, Managing Partner of Genstar. “We are thrilled to support this transformative combination.”
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