Amsterdam, 26 May 2026 - Weeks after announcing the acquisition of Content Stadium, a leading content operations platform for sports organizations, Athvance Capital today announces that its portfolio company Athvance Sports has acquired a significant stake in Levels Fight League ("LFL"), one of the fastest-growing mixed martial arts organizations in the Benelux region. The two investments showcase Athvance's core investment thesis: backing high-potential sports properties alongside the technology enablers that drive industry growth..

Founded by former professional MMA fighter Donovan Panayiotis and co-founder Bart Deuss, LFL has rapidly established itself as a proving ground for elite MMA talent, with several fighters graduating from LFL to compete at the highest levels of the sport, including the UFC. The organization combines world-class competition with compelling live entertainment and authentic fan engagement.

Combat sports represents a strategic vertical for Athvance Sports, and the investment reflects strong conviction in both the global growth trajectory of MMA and in founder-led sports properties that prioritize athlete development and cultural authenticity. Through the partnership, Athvance Sports will support LFL's next phase of growth across Europe, including international market expansion, media partnerships, and long-term IP development.

LFL will continue under the leadership of Donovan Panayiotis, who remains responsible for the sporting vision and overall direction of the organization.

Danny Menken & Karim Ben Rejeb, Managing Partners & Co-Founders, Athvance Capital: “Combat sports is a strategic vertical for us, combining strong growth fundamentals with founder-led authenticity. LFL is a textbook fit: Donovan has built genuine cultural relevance, proven fighter development, and regional momentum. This is exactly why we built Athvance Sports with Sjoerd van Schooten. Congratulations to Donovan and the Athvance Sports team on this milestone”

“Donovan Panayiotis, Founder & CEO, Levels Fight League: "Our ambition has always been to build more than fight events - we're creating long-term value for fighters, fans, and partners. Athvance understands both the commercial opportunity and the importance of authenticity. This partnership gives us the resources to scale across Europe while staying true to what makes LFL special."

Sjoerd van Schooten, CEO, Athvance Sports: “What Donovan has built with LFL is authentic, ambitious, and culturally relevant - the kind of founder-led IP we actively seek. LFL has proven it can develop elite talent who advance to the highest levels of the sport while building genuine community connection. We're excited to support the next chapter across Europe”

About Athvance Capital

Athvance Capital is a European investment platform dedicated to unlocking long-term value across the global sports industry. The firm invests in emerging sports IP and the technology providers that support industry growth. Combining patient capital with operational expertise, Athvance identifies and scales assets at the intersection of sport, media, and technology. The firm partners with founders and rights-holders to build an operator-led ecosystem that accelerates value creation and fosters innovation. Athvance Capital aims to be the partner of choice for building the next generation of sports assets

About Athvance Sports

Athvance Sports is Athvance Capital's sports IP powerhouse, focused on building and scaling next-generation sports properties and fan-driven formats. The platform's portfolio includes innovative sports IP such as Queen & King of the Court, Winner Stays, and Padel Copa, alongside strategic investments in emerging sports organizations with strong community value, media potential, and international scalability.

About Levels Fight League

Levels Fight League is a mixed martial arts organization based in the Benelux region, dedicated to developing elite MMA talent within an engaging live entertainment format. Founded by former professional fighter Donovan Panayiotis and Bart Deuss, LFL has established itself as a premier proving ground for fighters, with multiple athletes advancing from LFL to compete at the highest levels of the sport, including the UFC.