QLA at “Unlocking Investment Opportunities in the Business of Sport — The Second Half”
Unlocking Investment Opportunities in the Business of Sport: The Second Half HEC House, London, United Kingdom March 2026 QLA participated in the private event “Unlocking Investment Opportunities in the Business of Sport: The Second Half”, hosted by Cognitive Creators and MARA. The session brought together a select group of investors, operators, and advisors to examine the evolving structure of sports investments and the increasing role of institutional capital in the sector. March 2026 QLA participated in the private event “Unlocking Investment Opportunities in the Business of Sport: The Second Half”, hosted by Cognitive Creators and MARA. The session brought together a select group of investors, operators, and advisors to examine the evolving structure of sports investments and the increasing role of institutional capital in the sector. The Panelists Samir Ceric is an investor, entrepreneur, and senior executive recognised for pioneering the digitalisation of the sports industry. A former elite athlete and football club chairman, he has championed innovations in fan engagement, sustainability, MedTech, and AI in sport. He recently launched a global sports investment platform and is Chairman of Ceric & Co, a 7th-generation family office built on values of trust, creativity, and principled leadership. Sasha Ryazantsev is the CFO Advisor at ALK Capital, the owners of Burnley FC and RCD Espanyol, where he oversees the Group’s financial operations. He has played a key part in major refinancing and fund-raising activities of the group, as well as the closing of the RCD Espanyol acquisition. Sasha joined ALK in 2023 after five years on the Board of Everton FC in charge of strategy, financing, commercial growth and the design and construction of the new stadium. Mark Blundell is a Former F1 Driver, entrepreneur, investor, CEO and Founder of MBP, honouring his expertise for more than three decades in the upper echelons of elite global sport. Mark competed at the very top of world motorsport, including Formula One, IndyCar and World Rally. Across the last fifteen years, Mark has established himself as one of Europe’s most respected motorsport managers as CEO of the leading sports management and marketing group, MBP. Moderated by Laszlo Alpar Lukacs, a former investment banker turned investor and entrepreneur in the digital sector. Over the past decade, the companies he co-founded delivered value in more than 20 countries. Together with his team, he created Digital Due Diligence, the framework used by investors and executives to quantify the financial value of an organization’s digital assets, technology, and brand. The Panelists Samir Ceric is an investor, entrepreneur, and senior executive recognised for pioneering the digitalisation of the sports industry. A former elite athlete and football club chairman, he has championed innovations in fan engagement, sustainability, MedTech, and AI in sport. He recently launched a global sports investment platform and is Chairman of Ceric & Co, a 7th-generation family office built on values of trust, creativity, and principled leadership. Sasha Ryazantsev is the CFO Advisor at ALK Capital, the owners of Burnley FC and RCD Espanyol, where he oversees the Group’s financial operations. He has played a key part in major refinancing and fund-raising activities of the group, as well as the closing of the RCD Espanyol acquisition. Sasha joined ALK in 2023 after five years on the Board of Everton FC in charge of strategy, financing, commercial growth and the design and construction of the new stadium. Mark Blundell is a Former F1 Driver, entrepreneur, investor, CEO and Founder of MBP, honouring his expertise for more than three decades in the upper echelons of elite global sport. Mark competed at the very top of world motorsport, including Formula One, IndyCar and World Rally. Across the last fifteen years, Mark has established himself as one of Europe’s most respected motorsport managers as CEO of the leading sports management and marketing group, MBP. Moderated by Laszlo Alpar Lukacs, a former investment banker turned investor and entrepreneur in the digital sector. Over the past decade, the companies he co-founded delivered value in more than 20 countries. Together with his team, he created Digital Due Diligence, the framework used by investors and executives to quantify the financial value of an organization’s digital assets, technology, and brand. Key Themes Discussed I) The state of sports investments in 2026 II) Infrastructure and real estate – the new backbone of sports investmens III) Multi Club and Multi Sport Ownership – the platform play of sports investment IV) New sports, new leagues, new geographies: the next wave of growth? V) Digital Due Diligence – how technology is enabling transparent evaluation of the investment opportunities VI) SPVs in sport investments – allowing more investors to be part of the game Key Themes Discussed I) The state of sports investments in 2026 II) Infrastructure and real estate – the new backbone of sports investmens III) Multi Club and Multi Sport Ownership – the platform play of sports investment IV) New sports, new leagues, new geographies: the next wave of growth? V) Digital Due Diligence – how technology is enabling transparent evaluation of the investment opportunities VI) SPVs in sport investments – allowing more investors to be part of the game QLA Perspective From QLA’s standpoint, many of these discussions reinforce a consistent observation: Traditional due diligence frameworks are no longer sufficient in sports transactions. A significant portion of both risk and value sits within: digital systems and data flows operational infrastructure governance structures and stakeholder alignment dynamics These elements require a more integrated approach to diligence and structuring — particularly for family offices and private equity investors operating in complex environments. QLA Perspective From QLA’s standpoint, many of these discussions reinforce a consistent observation: Traditional due diligence frameworks are no longer sufficient in sports transactions. A significant portion of both risk and value sits within: digital systems and data flows operational infrastructure governance structures and stakeholder alignment dynamics These elements require a more integrated approach to diligence and structuring — particularly for family offices and private equity investors operating in complex environments. We continue to engage with partners and investors across sports, infrastructure, and private markets where: a) structure
Immobilienball in Vienna
Immobilienball in Vienna Announcement & Media Immobilienball in Vienna Announcement & Media Immobilienball (The Real Estate Industry Ball) The Real Estate Ball is an established annual event that brings together leading figures from the national and international real estate industry. The event brings together unforgettable moments in the magnificent halls of the former imperial winter residence and enjoy the unique atmosphere in the Vienna Hofburg, one of the most prestigious addresses in Vienna, Its elegant ambiance underscores the exclusive character of the event and provides a perfect backdrop for the high-profile audience from politics and business who annually honor the ball of the real estate industry with their presence. Founding Partner, Christopher, comments Events like carry its own history, elegance, and quiet code of honor. This creates a rare kind of environment – genuine, meaningful and fruitful conversations. His sincere thanks to Wolfgang Lukaschek and Jourdan Alexander-Younis for the invitation. Until next time!
2025 Year End Chairman Letter
Chairman’s Letter 2025 Year-End Reflection Chairman’s Letter 2025 Year-End Reflection Year-End Reflection In 2025, private markets remained resilient but increasingly selective. Global private equity and venture capital deal value reached roughly $829 billion through the first 11 months, representing a 31% YoY increase, even as deal count declined to about 11,625 from 13,825 a year earlier. Dry powder (uncommitted capital) stood at approximately $2.18 trillion, only slightly below its record peak, highlighting abundant but cautious capital. Meanwhile, global fundraising lagged, with private equity fundraises totaling around $314 billion through Q3, well below 2024’s pace. – S&P Global Market Intelligence data. In this environment, visibility stopped being an advantage. Judgment became one. We operated accordingly. At the beginning of the year, our objectives were clear and disciplined: I) Expand our international network and partnerships II) Complete ongoing mandates III) Refine QLA’s role — from transaction-heavy execution toward higher-leverage advisory. IV) Relocate HQ and lay foundation for our family office. Silent Leverage Over the course of 2025, we shifted decisively toward silent leverage. We focused on enhanced due diligence, strategic structuring, and capital stack design for family offices, private equity platforms, and institutional partners operating in complex environments. Key outcomes: Expanded and institutionalised relationships with family offices, private equity firms, and Tier-1 and private banking partners. Completed select transaction advisory and secondary mandates with trusted counterparties. Introduced enhanced due diligence and forensic structuring as core advisory offerings. Launched proprietary decision-support frameworks, including the Cognitive Scorecard and DILI: Digital Investment Literacy Index, to support institutional-grade risk assessment and governance. Reduced capital raising activity in favour of advisory, structuring, and deal validation mandates. Began structuring private equity vehicle under Veritas Civitas: House of Voolaid. While our engagements became quieter, impact increased. The Logic of Silent Leverage Silent leverage is not inactivity. It is deliberate positioning where outcomes compound without announcements. At scale, capital rarely fails due to lack of access. It fails due to weak structure, misaligned incentives, and insufficient diligence. We operate where those risks are addressed first. Veritas Civitas Veritas Civitas reflects how we think about intelligent capital. Three principles govern the structure: Veritas — clarity of information and truth in diligence. Virtus — structural, operational, and financial strength. Civitas — long-duration assets that support real economic systems. QLA serves as the advisory arm within this structure — supporting investors, and institutions operating across infrastructure, energy, and other real-asset sectors where time, scale, and discipline matter. Nexus, the PE arm, focuses on capitalising on opportunities while creating durable value. We do not chase trends. Priorities for 2026 I) Deepen select family office, institutional, and private banking relationships. II) Selective advisory, structuring, and diligence mandates. Work only with trusted family offices and PE firms. III) Through the Nexus fund, deploy into infrastructure and sports using a data-driven, quantitative approach, leveraging our insights and curated pipeline to deliver measurable financial outcomes (MOIC / IRR / CoC returns) while generating economic, societal, and environmental impact. Anticipated outcomes include 10k+ direct and indirect jobs, durable stakeholder value, and contributions to long-term community and system resilience. IV) Host select private gatherings, forums and dinners to enhance trusted relationships, grant network access, support partners in building influence and unlocking strategic insights. Silent leverage remains the strategy. We would like to extend our courtesy and gratitude to our partners and collaborators for their continued trust and engagement throughout the year. Your insights and support remain central to our ability to execute with precision and foresight. – Christopher & Attila Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This letter contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “target,” “goal,” “pipeline,” “continue,” or similar expressions. These statements reflect QLA’s current expectations and projections about future events and activities, including our advisory, investment, and fund strategies, as well as anticipated trends in infrastructure, sports, energy, and other real-asset sectors. They are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could affect outcomes include, but are not limited to General economic or market conditions, including volatility in global or regional financial markets; changes in regulatory, tax, or trade policies affecting QLA, its partners, or its investments; performance of third parties, counterparties, or portfolio companies; liquidity constraints, access to capital, or operational challenges; competitive pressures affecting our advisory and investment activities; and risks associated with implementing new frameworks, technologies, or quantitative approaches. These lists are not exhaustive. New risks and uncertainties may emerge, and QLA undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this letter. Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future performance, and QLA does not guarantee outcomes or results. Firm About Us LeadershipNews & Announcements QLA Podcast What We Do IC-Level Enhanced Due Diligence Ongoing Risk & Oversight Wealth & Fund Structuring Capital Stack Architecture Legal Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact General enquiries info@qla.ee Investor relations investors@qla.ee Fax +372 669 2202 Operating across Europe Relocating: Tallinn → Zug Mon–Fri 9:00AM – 6:00PM (CET) QLA provides non-discretionary advisory and due diligence services. QLA does not provide regulated investment advice, brokerage, placement, or discretionary asset management services. Please refer to our Disclosures for further information. ICC Estonia is a national committee of the world’s most significant business organization ICC WBO. According to the constitution of ICC Estonia QLA is a member of International Chamber of Commerce – ICC WBO. Linkedin X-twitter Youtube
QLA x Cognitive Creators DILI Announcement
QLA x Cognitive Creators Announcement QLA x Cognitive Creators Announcement Digital Investment Literacy Index — DILI 28. November 2025 Veritas Civitas | House of Voolaid and QLA, in partnership with Attila Tóth and László Alpár Lukács from Cognitive Creators, today announced the launch of the Digital Investment Literacy Index (DILI), the first benchmarking tool to measure digital-risk literacy for investors. DILI allows family offices, private equity firms, institutional LPs and M&A advisors to assess their digital-risk literacy against top-performing professionals — all within minutes. By highlighting digital blind spots that can quietly erode value at scale, DILI empowers investors to make informed decisions with speed and precision. “Digital blind spots are no longer minor oversights — they carry significant financial consequences,” said Christopher Voolaid, founder of Veritas Civitas | House of Voolaid. “DILI is designed to give investors a clear, actionable view of their digital-risk literacy, helping them stay ahead in a fast-moving, data-driven world” said Attila Tóth. For more information and to explore the Digital Investment Literacy Index, visit: https://iq.cognitivecreators.com/ Contact: QLA | info@qla.ee Cognitive Creators | hello@cognitivecreators.com