C15 Studio Launches Four FAST Sports Channels with VC Backing

C15 Studio, a new player in the Free Ad-supported Streaming Television (FAST) sector, debuted with significant backing from venture capital firms specializing in sports. Led by co-founders Joe Nilsson and Amory Schwartz, C15 Studio has secured investments from Sharp Alpha Advisors, KB Partners, and Raptor Group, enhancing its capability to deliver sports content via its FAST channels.

The studio's initial lineup features premier sports partnerships including Formula One, ONE Championship, Triton Poker Series, and the Professional Squash Association. These channels will be accessible through distribution platforms such as Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, and Pluto TV, with more partnerships yet to be disclosed.

Nilsson, formerly overseeing international streaming at Jukin Media, highlighted the appeal of FAST channels in providing free, internet-delivered TV, aiming to capture a broad audience within the sports enthusiast community. He emphasized sports' efficacy in attracting viewers, positioning C15 Studio to leverage this dynamic to expand its audience base.

While C15 Studio holds live broadcasting rights for all partners except Formula One, which maintains an existing deal with ESPN until 2025, it will showcase Formula One races five days after their live broadcast. The Formula One channel will offer curated content including analysis by Jolyon Palmer, shows like Tech Talk, and documentaries such as Chasing The Dream.

In the competitive landscape of FAST sports streaming, C15 Studio joins Roku and other platforms in catering to the growing demand for accessible, ad-supported sports content. This strategic entry underscores their commitment to leveraging sports as a cornerstone for audience engagement and content consumption in the evolving digital media landscape.