Romanian startup Nordensa raises €1.65M seed round to grow its fan-backing football talent platform

Romanian tech startup Nordensa has raised €1.65 million in seed funding to grow the world’s first fan-powered platform revolutionizing football talent discovery through fan engagement. This funding injection is set to fuel Nordensa’s mission of empowering fans and enhancing its product offering, as well as strengthening its talented team.

The round is backed by notable investors including Emiliano Marcondes, a prominent player from AFC Bournemouth, along with former Denmark international Lasse Vibe and Mads Davidsen, Group Head of Football at the Right to Dream Academy.

In tandem with this funding announcement, Nordensa has bolstered its Advisory Board with key industry luminaries, including Alan Pace, owner of Burnley FC, and Chris Kay, former CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi and Head of Marketing at Manchester City Football Club.

Founded in 2022 by Adrian Docea, Nordensa, based in Romania, has introduced an innovative platform that enables fans to purchase shares in a player’s trial contract. These players are carefully selected by Premier League and Bundesliga scouts. Investors have the opportunity to earn up to 8% of the player’s earnings over the next five years, distributed among all backers. This pioneering model grants fans unprecedented ownership and decision-making authority in the football world.

Nordensa’s platform has garnered attention for its unique approach, particularly after securing the world’s first fan-backed footballer for a European club last year. By offering fans a tangible stake in the success of emerging talent, Nordensa is transforming the landscape of football ownership.

Docea expressed his excitement about the company’s mission, stating, “Football boasts over 5 billion passionate fans worldwide, yet ownership and decision-making have traditionally been confined to a select few. We’re poised to change that narrative, empowering dedicated fans with the ability to shape the future of the sport.”

Looking ahead, Nordensa plans to announce strategic partnerships with European clubs and academies. Expansion into new territories and the incorporation of additional sports into the platform are also on the horizon. With a current valuation of €15 million, Nordensa is initiating a Bridge round to secure an additional €1.5 million in funding, paving the way for a Series A round later this year, during which 20% of the company will be made available to new investors.

Based in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, Nordensa operates across Europe and boasts partnerships with esteemed clubs such as Standard de Liege, Real Zaragoza, Kawasaki Frontale, and more. The company’s footprint extends to football academies worldwide, positioning Nordensa as a global leader in fan-driven sports ownership.

Nordensa