New era dawns at St Colman’s Park
Cobh Ramblers have scored new owners this week and entered a new era after a Miami-based group took a 90% stake in the club.
On Monday Digital Athlete Ventures (DAV) were announced as the new owners of the 103 year old Cork club. This is DAV’s first investment in a football club.
DAV are led by llya Movshovich and Pedro Lombardo of JPX Investments and Bryant Clark, a founder of Texas-based Fifty Five South Ventures.
llya Movshovich is a Co-Lead Investor with DAV and said the group plans to invest in the stadium and the playing squad but the focus for this season is stability on and off the pitch.
“We want the team competing confidently, the club financially sound, and fans onboard. Next season, we’ll build on that momentum, laying the foundations for promotion, stronger academy development, and a tighter connection between the players, supporters, and the town.”
He continued: “On the infrastructure side, we’re reviewing plans to improve training facilities and matchday experience at St Colman’s Park, starting with areas that have the greatest impact on players and fans alike.”
Ramblers may only be the start of a foray in football club ownership for the ambitious group.
“Cobh Ramblers marks the beginning of a wider multi-club investment strategy focused on underutilized potential in community-rooted clubs across Europe.
“We’re already assessing opportunities in England and Portugal,” he told the Cork Independent.
On what tech innovations DAV can bring to Cobh, Mr Movshovich cited the data driven approach by Brentford and Brighton Hove Albion as “interesting to us. We want to bring that to Cobh.”
He added that their own technology which “takes in a lot of data analysis, quantum, automation, recovery and AI” excites them.
“All of this will improve player efficiency, reduce injury and optimize the stadium experience for the fans.”
End of FC32
Last Thursday Cobh Ramblers announced they parted ways with FC32 Global Investments Limited, which took control of the first division side in October with the club currently second in the table after significant investment in the squad.
FC32 took over Cobh last October and lured manager Mark McDermott to the club along with a host of former Cork City FC players.
FC32 owned other European clubs but pulled out of second tier Austrian Club SKN St Polten in April at very short notice.
Cobh’s search for investment is now over and the club signed Scottish midfielder Rhys Gourdie last Monday and Cork striker Matthew Whelan last month.
Bill O’Leary, Chairman of Cobh Ramblers FC said: “After months of hard work, the board is proud to announce this investment partnership. In a highly competitive landscape, securing a deal of this calibre reflects our commitment to the club’s future. What set DAV apart was not just their financial backing, but their operational capabilities and respect for the club’s legacy and community. Ilya and Pedro have been a pleasure to work with, and we’re excited to move forward together.”
DAV say they are “a sports and media investment firm founded to empower elite athletes, entertainers, and strategic investors to take ownership positions in professional sports clubs and related platforms. Backed by several prominent sports investors, DAV combines capital, content, and operational insight to drive long-term value across its portfolio.”
In a statement DAV said the agreement “marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cobh Ramblers FC, centred on long-term sustainability and growth. DAV supported the club financially during the transaction process while conducting comprehensive due diligence and collaborating closely with club leadership to shape a shared vision.”
Cobh Ramblers begin their FAI Cup campaign this weekend with a game against non-league side Bangor Celtic at 3pm in Dublin.