NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Bluestone Equity Partners, the institutionally-backed global private equity firm focused on the Sports, Media & Entertainment industry, today announced a major investment in Volo Sports.
Founded in 2010 as a 16-person bocce league in Baltimore, Volo has grown to become the largest provider of social and recreational sports events in the United States, operating in major cities ranging from New York, San Francisco, and Boston, to Washington D.C., San Jose, Denver, and San Diego. Focused on the pillars of community and wellness, Volo offers curated leagues, tournaments, and events across participatory sports ranging from basketball, soccer, volleyball, and softball, to bowling, pickleball, dodgeball, kickball, and even bar games. Named one of Inc.’s Fastest Growing Private Companies in America, Volo has over half a million annual registrations on its tech-enabled platform.
“Volo has built a market-leading position and a vibrant culture in and around recreational sports in America, an historically fragmented and localized industry sector,” said Bobby Sharma, Bluestone Founder & Managing Partner. “As truly value-added growth equity investors, Bluestone will enhance Volo’s operations, technology, and strategic M&A, fostering organic and inorganic growth of a business with a famously passionate and loyal following across the country.”
“Volo has transformed the recreational sports landscape by focusing on community, accessibility, and inclusivity, as well as best-in-class management,” said Giovanni Marcantoni, Founder & CEO of Volo Sports. “As we look to a new chapter of growth to sustainably broaden our offerings and extend our reach, we’re fortunate to have the unparalleled support, expertise, and guidance of the Bluestone team.”
In addition, Volo operates in tandem with its nonprofit partner, Volo Kids, to build strong, resilient, and active communities around shared sports experiences, across generations. “Volo is dedicated to serving the communities in which it operates, and to leading innovation in recreational sports,” said Marcantoni.
Volo marks the sixth investment for Bluestone from its inaugural $300 million fund, launched in a single closing during the first quarter of 2023. Bluestone is distinguished within Sports, Media & Entertainment private equity through its combination of blue-chip industry operating and investment experience, expansive international network, institutional capital base, and collaborative synergistic approach with portfolio companies. As a part of this investment, Bluestone’s Walker Brumskine will join Volo’s Board of Directors.
About Volo Sports
Volo Sports is the country’s largest provider of community-focused, tech-enabled adult social sports and curated events. The company offers unlimited access to sports, fitness programs, structured tournaments, social activities, and virtual events, enabling users to meet and connect on and off the field. Volo builds strong communities that promote genuine human interaction and an active lifestyle. In partnership with its nonprofit arm, Volo Kids, Volo supports the creation of free youth sports programming designed to build communities of active, resilient, and confident kids. To learn more, visit www.volosports.com.
About Bluestone Equity
Headquartered in New York City, Bluestone Equity Partners is a private equity firm harnessing a unique combination of blue-chip business and investing experience, coupled with deep industry ties, to forge highly strategic capital partnerships with established Sports, Media & Entertainment businesses and properties. Led by Founder & Managing Partner Bobby Sharma, Bluestone partners with exceptional management teams and rights-holders seeking growth and scale on a global basis. For more information, visit www.bluestoneequity.com.
