Torcedores.com

Torcedores.com is a digital sports media platform operating in the Brazilian market, recognized for its user-generated content model. The company was founded in late 2013 by Sergio Sacchi and American entrepreneur Derek Hall, who identified a need for a localized sports content platform in Brazil. Hall, who had learned Portuguese during a mission trip, conceived the project and found his Brazilian operating partner, Sacchi, through LinkedIn. The business model was inspired by the American platform Bleacher Report, whose founder, Bryan Goldberg, is also an investor in Torcedores.

The platform functions as a decentralized newsroom, sourcing content from a vast network of thousands of collaborating sports fans and journalism students. This structure allows for extensive coverage of a wide array of sports beyond mainstream football, including topics like women's football, Olympic sports, and various forms of motorsport. While many contributions are voluntary, some content creators receive payment based on performance metrics like audience engagement and content quality. The business generates revenue primarily through digital advertising and strategic partnerships with major brands such as Ambev and Bradesco. Before publishing, contributors must complete sports journalism courses offered by the platform.

Historically, the company has achieved significant milestones. In June 2015, it secured a $2 million seed funding round. By 2018, the site's monthly audience had grown to over 7 million visitors. In a strategic move in September 2023, Torcedores.com was acquired for $9.7 million by Better Collective, a European digital sports media group. This acquisition is part of Better Collective's strategy to expand its footprint in the burgeoning South American market, particularly in Brazil. Following the acquisition, Torcedores.com continues to operate under its brand, with Better Collective taking over all operations and integrating it into its portfolio to enhance its sports content production and relevance to partners in the region.

Keywords: sports media, digital content, user-generated content, Brazilian market, sports journalism, football news, collaborative platform, sports fans, content monetization, digital advertising, sports betting content, fan engagement, media acquisition, South American sports, sports news platform, online sports content, Better Collective, Sergio Sacchi, Derek Hall, Bryan Goldberg, Futbol Sites