Amsterdam May 14, 2025 — ve2.ventures, the Dutch venture studio focused on sport, tech, entertainment, and media innovation, has acquired a majority stake in NextPlay, a fast-growing sports travel company founded by Jesus M. Ortigosa Marquez and Gonçalo Ramos de Moura, which will continue building on the original mission: giving athletes from around the world access to professional-level football experiences in Portugal.
Gonçalo Ramos de Moura will continue to lead daily operations and drive expansion. Jesús Ortigosa Márquez, having transitioned to a minority shareholder position, expressed his pride and support for the new leadership and direction of NextPlay.
NextPlay organises international travel experiences, tournaments, and trials that allow players to "play like a pro" while being scouted by clubs and immersed in elite training environments. With the backing of ve2ventures, the company is entering a new phase of accelerated growth, including a full rebrand from FUTSolutions to NextPlay, the launch of a new platform, and an enhanced tech stack to deliver smarter, more transparent travel experiences.
“We see an enormous opportunity in helping more players, from more countries, access high-level football experiences,” said David Dwinger, Co-founder and CEO of ve2ventures. “Our investment allows us to scale the operation, add a robust digital layer, and make NextPlay a market leader in sports travel. We’re adding tools for instant booking, transparent pricing, and data-rich experiences that enhance player development and trip impact.”
As part of the growth strategy, ve2ventures and NextPlay are introducing a technology component to the platform, offering players, clubs, and organizations real-time access to pricing, booking, and itinerary planning. In addition, NextPlay will soon integrate performance tracking, digital player cards (similar to fan cards), and on-field development insights, bringing an entirely new dimension to the travel experience.
Jesús Ortigosa Márquez, Co-Founder of NextPlay: "I’m incredibly proud of what we built at NextPlay, and I’m fully confident that this deal will take the company to new heights, building on the foundation we created together."
Gonçalo Ramos de Moura, Co-Founder of NextPlay: "This next chapter is about reach and impact. We’re adding technology, we’re expanding our network, and we’re making it easier than ever for clubs and players to find each other. We’ve already signed five new clients under the new brand, and we’re just getting started.”
About ve2ventures
ve2ventures is a Dutch venture studio focused on early-stage investments in technology, sports, and lifestyle startups. With a hands-on approach and a broad network across Europe, ve2 empowers founders to scale faster and smarter.
About NextPlay
NextPlay is a sports travel company connecting athletes with elite football experiences. From trials to training camps, the company empowers players worldwide to develop their careers while exploring football cultures abroad. With a new platform, new partnerships, and strong investor backing, NextPlay is set to become a global leader in the sports travel market.
