Managing Partner - Nick Hagen
Managing Partner
Nick Hagen
Over the last 20+ years I have been truly fortunate to work at some the most progressive digital and omni-channel businesses in the betting, gaming and e-commerce space. Like everyone, I’ve made my share of mistakes along the way but by using each as a learning opportunity I’ve been able to deliver results and shareholder value wherever I’ve been. My story goes something like this....
1995 - Started as a Trader and Market Maker at Sporting Index Group (the first real innovators in live betting as we know it today)
2000 - Helped define and launch Sporting Odds (along with BlueSquare, the first truly online sportsbook)
2005 - Set up Gastro Gaming Company - my own multi channel business focussed on the burgeoning UK poker market - corporate and pub events in partnership with PartyPoker
2008 - Joined GTECH G2, set up Sports Betting Services Division. Successfully launched sports betting operations in Chile (25% yr on yr growth in turnover), Romania (BetCafe Arena – No2 operator in market within 18 months) and Mexico
2010 - Delivered review and change management program for Finsoft software house, part of my responsibilities as COO Sports Betting
2011 - Headhunted by Betfair to set up and launch their proprietary sports betting platform. Acted as Operations Director for next 4 years. Direct line management responsibility for trading and risk management, analytics, promotions and content. Key stakeholder and strategic influencer across product roadmap and marketing spend and approvals
2015 - On leaving Betfair; sportsbook annual turnover was >£1.2bn, >500k unique monthly actives, c.50k monthly activations, Cash Out and other product features had been adopted by whole industry, headcount had grown to >200.
2016 - Appointed to Board of Inspired Entertainment (Nasdaq Listed) - sat on the Audit and Nominating, Governance and Compliance committees as well as working closely with the CEO and Chairman on corporate strategy, market positioning and opportunity analysis.
2018 - Worked with Fanduel’s Executive team in the months leading up to PASPA’s repeal to build out their sportsbook strategy and operational planning. This included supplier selection, product definition, market entry planning, marketing and pricing strategies. Also supporting key business development, licensing and partnership opportunities.
2015/9 - Worked as COO for 2 well backed (Index Ventures, Octopus Ventures, Highland Europe) early stage businesses. The latter, Threads - a pioneering chat commerce platform focused on the fashion and luxury good sector.
Q4 2019 – Soft launched Nick Hagen Ltd, already advising a leading US Private Equity firm and UK based Esports operator
Education
ETON COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY of MANCHESTER
Other Interests
• Loves Sport. Played representative cricket and football
• Remains a keen golfer, 10 handicap at New Zealand GC, Woking
• Enjoys spending time with family, travelling, reading, gaming and art