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§ Venture Capital · USA
Learn which startups Waverley Capital invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. ).
Key people at Waverley Capital.
Waverley Capital is a venture capital firm investing exclusively in innovation and disruption in global media, entertainment, and sports industries. The firm partners with exceptional entrepreneurs to build category-defining companies. It leverages its experienced team's proprietary access, network, and engaged approach to support its portfolio.
The firm was co-founded by Edgar Bronfman Jr., Chairman and General Partner, and Daniel V. Leff, Ph.D., Managing Partner. Bronfman brings executive leadership from Warner Music Group, while Leff held partner roles at Globespan Capital Partners. Their experience identified opportunities for transformative businesses in these dynamic sectors.
Waverley Capital serves entrepreneurs developing new paradigms in media, entertainment, and sports, providing strategic and operational guidance. Its limited partners are seasoned executives from leading media and technology companies. The firm aims to be the premier partner for founders shaping the future of these industries, fostering success.
Key people at Waverley Capital.
Waverley Capital is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments across the media, entertainment, and sports ecosystem. Its mission is to partner with exceptional entrepreneurs to build category-defining companies within the $1 trillion+ global media and entertainment industry. The firm emphasizes long-term value creation through deep engagement and strategic support, leveraging its extensive network of current and former C-level media and technology executives. Key sectors include media, entertainment, sports, consumer internet, and digital media, where Waverley Capital aims to drive innovation and disruption[2][3][4].
Founded in 2003, Waverley Capital was co-founded and is chaired by Edgar Bronfman Jr., former CEO of Warner Music Group. The founding team also includes Daniel V. Leff, Ph.D., Managing Partner, and Deek Velagandula, Principal, who bring decades of combined experience investing in and operating media and entertainment companies. The firm evolved to focus exclusively on the media ecosystem, leveraging the founders' deep industry expertise and networks to identify transformative opportunities and support portfolio companies effectively[1][4][5].
Waverley Capital rides the trend of digital transformation and disruption within the traditional media and entertainment industries, which are undergoing rapid innovation driven by streaming, content digitization, and sports technology. The timing is critical as the $1 trillion+ media ecosystem embraces new technologies and consumer behaviors. Waverley’s deep sector focus and network allow it to influence the ecosystem by accelerating innovation, supporting category-defining startups, and facilitating strategic industry partnerships that shape the future of media and entertainment[2][3].
Looking ahead, Waverley Capital is well-positioned to capitalize on continued convergence between media, technology, and sports, especially as new content formats, immersive experiences, and data-driven platforms emerge. Trends such as streaming expansion, esports growth, and interactive media will likely shape their investment focus. Their influence is expected to grow as they continue to back pioneering entrepreneurs and leverage their unique network to drive strategic value creation in the evolving media landscape[3][4].
Waverley Capital’s deep industry roots and focused approach make it a pivotal player in fostering innovation across the media and entertainment sectors, aligning with its mission to build the next generation of category-defining companies.
Waverley Capital has more than 26 tracked investments across 20 companies. The latest tracked deal is $97.0M Series D in Thyme Care in September 2025.
