Cobh Ramblers set to launch investment scheme through Republic under new owners 

Cobh Ramblers FC are set to open up to additional funding through Republic, an online only platform that specialises in digital investment.

The organisation has worked with a number of football clubs including Watford and AFC Wimbledon, and it focuses on giving ownership through digital equity.

The scheme is being spearheaded by Cobh Ramblers’ new owners, Digital Athlete Ventures, following their acquisition of the League of Ireland last July.

This scheme has, according to their website, deployed over $800 million in investments while supporting 600 companies.

Republic’s principle is based on: “When you invest, you're investing in the success of founders, artists, entrepreneurs and creators. 

"We’ve made it our mission to expand access to innovative investments, empower individuals through education and give people the power to invest in the future they believe in.” 

Investors get rewards in return, such as a percentage of season ticket revenue according to a digital brochure on the scheme.

Republic is being spearheaded by Ilya Movshovich, one of the lead investors in Digital Athlete Ventures.

The US based entrepreneur believes this model will allow fans to come on board as they look to build Cobh Ramblers through multiple financial models.

“We want to get more fans onboard and to have them come on the journey with us. Aligned with the club and board,” he told The Echo.

The ownership group are also aiming to tap into the town’s place as a tourism hub ever summer as it attracts thousands of people looking to experience maritime life and the Titanic Museum.

“Fans of course as they have the most to benefit but also American investors,” Movshovich replied when asked about who this scheme is targeted towards.

“Cobh hosts thousands of Americans each year, passing through Cobh and docking at Cobh- we want them to invest in the community."

To wrap this up, Movshovich issued the following quote: “We are excited to launch this campaign with Republic. 

"It’s Republic’s first football deal in the Republic of Ireland and they’ve been very successful in England. 

"The money raised will be going towards boosting player and club notoriety globally. 

"The goal is to let everyone from the outside in, and there is nothing like owning a piece of home, that makes you want to come and visit.” Republic have a history of working with football clubs across the world, and the organisation is set to expand with more teams coming under their banner in the coming months.

Glenavon of the Irish League are set to open up to additional funding through the platform, alongside English Rugby Union side London Irish.

Cobh Ramblers have already been authorised to trade under Republic as of September 3rd 2025 according to their website.

There are three pillars to the Digital Athlete Ventures vision for the club listed on the platform.

It is stated that there are plans to ‘maximise new revenue streams’ in addition to renovations of St Colman’s Park and a women’s team playing senior football in 2026.

This follows a precarious year for the club that began with the League of Ireland side coming under the ownership of FC32 in October 2024.

The multi-national group invested heavily in a bid to challenge for promotion, which included appointing former Colombia coach Mick McDermott as manager.

The Ramblers had a near perfect start to the season and things fell apart when FC32 collapsed after the acquisition of Italian side Spezia Calcio.

Cobh were thrown into a frantic search for investment as the board had to deal with a very real threat of administration, while the first-team battled with Dundalk for the First Division title.

The Ramblers found salvation through Digital Athlete Ventures, with their deal to acquire a 90% stake in the club announced at the beginning of July.

Cobh are now in pursuit of a first league title since 2008, as the first-team is six points behind Dundalk with six games left to play.

The two teams are set to meet on the final night of the season at St Colman’s Park, meaning a play-off for the league championship could be set up over the coming weeks if results go the way of McDermott and his players.