Tech Entrepreneur Mario Malave Joins Mercury 13 as Co-CEO

Mercury 13 has recruited digital entrepreneur Mario Malavé as co-CEO, working alongside creator Victoire Cogevina Reynal in a daring bid to redefine the landscape of women's soccer ownership. The investment entity, which is targeting a $100 million holding company, aims to popularize multi-club ownership in women's soccer leagues across Europe and South America.

Mario, the former CEO of Wagr, a social sports betting firm bought by Yahoo Sports, has extensive experience at Harvard Business School, Morgan Stanley, Playground Global, and LAFC football operations. His responsibilities as co-CEO will include supervising Mercury 13's investments, business, and football operations.

Victoire, a former player agent and the inventor of Gloria, a scouting-turned-social community app, will oversee the venture's commercial, marketing, design, and brand departments. The couple, united by a shared vision revealed in 2020, seeks to drive long-term growth in women's football.

Mercury 13 had entered into exclusive discussions with Lewes FC in August, however the agreement was amicably terminated in November, 2023. Mario indicated that the business is now doing early-stage due diligence with two more unknown clubs.

"We're not just raising money and looking to deploy, but we're trying to really precipitate and accelerate a broader change and prove that these clubs can be sustainable," he said.

Recognizing the peculiarity of women's soccer, Victoire and Mario are dedicated to creating an ownership model that meets its demands. Mercury 13 hopes to spark a movement and effect long-term change in the business by combining their unique abilities and a common belief in the untapped potential of women's football.