Author: Charlotte Smith

9 Cyber Security Companies to Watch in Q2 2026

Posted on by Charlotte Smith

Cyber security continues to evolve at an extraordinary rate as organisations balance accelerating AI adoption with growing concerns around identity, governance, infrastructure resilience and data exposure.

Each quarter, our team at neuco takes a step back to look at the businesses creating the most interesting momentum across the cyber landscape. That can come through funding activity, product launches, customer traction, technical innovation or simply the conversations dominating boardrooms and security teams globally.

This quarter, many of the themes centre around agentic AI, runtime security, privacy, machine identity and secure AI deployment. As enterprises move from experimentation towards operational AI at scale, the security challenges are becoming far more complex and the companies responding to those challenges are becoming increasingly important.

The businesses below are some of the companies that have particularly caught our attention heading into Q2 2026 based on market activity, industry conversations and the wider direction of travel across cyber security.

The Q2 2026 Companies to Watch

As AI adoption accelerates and identity, governance and infrastructure security become increasingly critical, these are the companies we feel are worth watching closely this quarter.

Cloaked

Built around people-first privacy, Cloaked helps users generate, protect and reclaim their digital identity online.

Its March 2026 $375 million Series B and growth financing round marked a significant vote of confidence in consumer privacy as a scalable business model, with backing led by General Catalyst and Liberty City Ventures.

The funding gives Cloaked room to accelerate AI-powered threat detection, expand enterprise tooling and continue building on its growing subscriber base. In a market increasingly shaped by identity fraud and data exposure, that momentum feels particularly notable.

Fiddler

As enterprises push AI agents further into critical workflows, Fiddler is positioning itself as a control layer for that next phase of adoption.

The company closed a $30 million Series C in January 2026 to advance its vision for a neutral control plane spanning telemetry, evaluation, monitoring, policy enforcement and governance across the AI lifecycle.

With revenue reportedly growing more than fourfold over the previous 18 months and growing traction across regulated industries, Fiddler is tapping directly into one of cyber security’s fastest-emerging priorities: making agentic AI observable, governable and commercially safe at scale.

RapidFort

RapidFort is addressing one of infrastructure security’s most pressing challenges: reducing software supply-chain risk before exploitation catches up.

Its $42 million Series A funding round announced in February 2026 is supporting further development of a platform focused on runtime-aware remediation, automated hardening and continuous vulnerability reduction.

By combining execution-path analysis with curated near-zero CVE images and container optimisation, RapidFort is moving beyond static scanning towards a more operational approach to remediation. That feels particularly timely as AI-driven development continues to increase code volume and complexity.

Fortanix

Data sovereignty is quickly becoming a defining issue in enterprise AI, and Fortanix is leaning directly into that challenge.

In February 2026, the company partnered with NTT DATA on a service powered by NVIDIA Confidential Computing to help organisations build secure and compliant AI factories, particularly across highly regulated sectors in India.

The proposition is compelling: protecting data and models not only at rest and in transit, but also while actively in use. As demand grows for auditable AI infrastructure, Fortanix appears to be extending its relevance well beyond traditional encryption and key management.

HiddenLayer

HiddenLayer has built much of its reputation around securing AI systems, and its March 2026 threat report reinforced that positioning.

The research highlighted that more than one in eight reported AI breaches now involve agentic systems, while shadow AI, supply-chain exposure and unclear ownership continue to widen the enterprise risk gap.

As organisations shift from experimental AI usage towards autonomous workflows with real-world permissions, HiddenLayer is helping frame agentic AI as an operational security challenge rather than simply a model issue.

SandboxAQ

SandboxAQ is continuing to expand its cyber security proposition as AI becomes increasingly embedded within enterprise environments.

In March 2026, the company enhanced AQtive Guard with new AI security posture management capabilities, including runtime guardrails, broader discovery, MCP risk analysis and posture reporting aligned to frameworks such as the EU AI Act.

The release directly addresses a growing challenge for security leaders: AI adoption is spreading faster than visibility and governance controls. By focusing on oversight and operational guardrails, SandboxAQ is aligning closely with the realities of enterprise AI deployment.

Immuta

Immuta is reframing data governance for a world where non-human identities increasingly request access to sensitive information.

In March 2026, the company launched what it describes as the first data provisioning platform for managing agentic data access, treating AI agents as first-class identities with their own attributes, intent, temporary permissions and audit trails.

Traditional role-based models are often too slow for machine-speed workflows, and as enterprises operationalise AI agents across analytics and decision-making, Immuta is positioning itself at the intersection of governance, automation and secure access.

DeleteMe

DeleteMe is broadening its privacy protection strategy as social engineering and AI-enabled impersonation attacks continue to increase.

Its March 2026 acquisition of Block Party adds social media privacy controls to DeleteMe’s established data broker removal offering, creating a more comprehensive response to the personal exposure fuelling many modern cyber attacks.

The strategic logic feels clear: attackers increasingly target people rather than software, using publicly available information to build trust and exploit it. By connecting these areas of exposure, DeleteMe is building a stronger personal and organisational privacy narrative.

Akeyless

Akeyless is pushing identity security further into the era of agentic AI.

In March 2026, the company introduced Agentic Runtime Authority and Agentic Identity Intelligence, extending its platform to discover AI agents, authorise by intent and control actions in real time.

That matters because autonomous systems are no longer limited to reading data. They are now triggering workflows and modifying production environments. Akeyless is responding with runtime enforcement, zero standing privileges and forensic traceability tied directly back to prompts.

For enterprises scaling AI agents, that combination of visibility and control could prove increasingly valuable.

Final Thoughts

AI is rapidly reshaping the cyber security conversation, not only from a threat perspective but also in how organisations approach governance, observability, compliance and trust across digital infrastructure.

Many of the companies featured here are addressing the operational realities that come with AI adoption at scale, whether that’s securing autonomous agents, reducing software supply-chain exposure, protecting sensitive data or improving visibility across increasingly distributed environments.

As always, this is not intended to be a definitive list. There are many organisations doing exceptional work across cyber security, and these are simply the companies that have stood out most to our team during Q2 2026.

If your organisation is building innovative technology or tackling some of the industry’s biggest security challenges, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to contact the team at hello@neuco-group.com.

Article brought to you by neuco, global specialists in recruitment and executive search across Cyber Security.

9 Media & Sports Technology Companies to Watch in Q2 2026

Posted on by Charlotte Smith

The Media & Sports Technology landscape continues to move at pace, with broadcasters, streaming platforms, rights holders and vendors all adapting to changing audience behaviours and increasingly complex production demands.

Each quarter, our team at neuco looks across the market to identify the companies we feel are generating the most interesting momentum. That can come through product innovation, strategic partnerships, leadership moves, expansion into new markets or simply the wider conversations we’re hearing from the industry itself.

From AI-powered production tools and cloud-native workflows to remote production, IP infrastructure and content monetisation, the market continues to evolve rapidly and these are some of the businesses that have particularly caught our attention heading into Q2 2026.

As always, this is subjective. There are many companies doing exceptional work across the media ecosystem, but based on our conversations and market exposure, these are the names we believe are worth keeping an eye on this quarter.

The Q2 2026 Companies to Watch

With AI, cloud workflows and live production transformation continuing to shape the market, these are the companies we feel are worth watching closely this quarter.

Qvest

A global systems integrator and consulting partner, Qvest is sharpening its strategic direction through leadership and regional expansion.

The appointment of Thorsten Sauer as CEO signals a renewed focus on scaling advisory and delivery capabilities. Alongside this, the expansion of its MENA sales team strengthens proximity to key clients in one of the industry’s fastest-growing markets.

Together, these developments reflect a clear ambition to deepen customer engagement while supporting increasingly complex transformation programmes across broadcast, OTT and enterprise media environments.

Appear

Appear continues to push the boundaries of live production infrastructure through a series of product innovations and high-profile deployments.

Enhancements to its X Platform and the introduction of Appear Hub are enabling more flexible and scalable IP workflows. Involvement in major live events, including NBC Sports’ winter coverage, alongside partnerships with LTN and advancements in YouTube live delivery, underline its growing influence across the market.

Combined with a strengthened executive team, Appear is positioning itself as a key technology partner for broadcasters looking for low-latency, high-performance video transport.

NAGRAVISION

NAGRAVISION is continuing to strengthen its position in content protection and streaming security through a combination of commercial growth and strategic partnerships.

Strong annual results demonstrate continued demand for its solutions, while collaborations with the English Football League are tackling the growing challenge of live sports piracy. Expanded deployments of TVKey Cloud with OSN and Samsung are also accelerating secure content delivery across connected TV ecosystems.

These developments highlight NAGRAVISION’s ability to balance innovation with commercial execution across an increasingly fragmented and competitive content landscape.

LiveU

LiveU is advancing its role in IP-video contribution and cloud production with a clear focus on AI-enabled performance and workflow flexibility.

Its LiveU IQ solution has supported connectivity optimisation during major global sporting events, helping deliver reliable transmission in dynamic environments. Collaboration with ITVX on cloud production for digital-first content also demonstrates expansion beyond traditional broadcast models.

Alongside this, growing adoption within public safety applications signals diversification into mission-critical communications, positioning LiveU at the intersection of media, cloud and real-time data delivery.

Riedel

Riedel continues to expand its global footprint while investing in leadership and innovation across live production technologies.

The appointment of Jan Schaffner to lead the Americas business supports wider regional growth ambitions, complemented by expansion into emerging markets such as Kuala Lumpur. Its presence at major industry events, including VISAR 2025, showcases ongoing developments in real-time signal distribution and decentralised production workflows.

Together, these moves reinforce Riedel’s position as a trusted partner for complex, large-scale live event and broadcast environments.

Lawo

Lawo is entering a new phase of growth following the appointment of Jamie Dunn as CEO, signalling a fresh strategic direction for the business.

The company continues to demonstrate the strength of its IP-based solutions, with successful deployment of its S12 platform across live production environments. These implementations highlight the scalability and flexibility of its AoIP architecture, supporting more efficient and distributed workflows.

As broadcasters increasingly transition towards software-defined infrastructure, Lawo appears well positioned to support that evolution with proven, high-performance technologies.

Synamedia

Synamedia is strengthening its position in cloud video delivery through continued enhancements to its Gravity platform and strategic content partnerships.

New capabilities in Wi-Fi diagnostics and device intelligence are improving both user experience and operational visibility. At the same time, collaborations with Pitch International and A-Sport are supporting scalable, cloud-based distribution of premium sports content, including major football competitions.

These initiatives demonstrate Synamedia’s ability to combine analytics, delivery and monetisation in ways that support broadcasters and rights holders navigating an increasingly competitive streaming market.

Vizrt

Vizrt is continuing to expand beyond traditional broadcast through AI-driven production tools and enhanced audience engagement capabilities.

Its integration of augmented reality functionality within platforms such as Zoom is enabling more immersive corporate communications, while the launch of new sports production bundles is simplifying access to advanced workflows across different customer segments.

By combining real-time graphics, automation and cloud-native technologies, Vizrt is helping organisations deliver more engaging and efficient content experiences across both media and enterprise environments.

Fonn Group

Fonn Group continues to scale its cloud-native media technology ecosystem through strategic hires and partnerships.

The appointment of Andy Newton strengthens leadership across its portfolio, supporting growth ambitions for both its Mimir and Saga platforms. Partnership activity with Netorium is also enhancing the delivery of integrated, cloud-based media workflows, helping customers manage content more efficiently across distributed environments.

As demand for flexible and scalable media infrastructure continues to rise, Fonn Group is positioning itself as an important enabler of next-generation content management and production workflows.

Final Thoughts

The shift towards cloud infrastructure, software-defined workflows, AI-assisted production and more personalised viewer experiences continues to reshape the Media & Sports Technology sector at every level.

What stands out across all of these companies is the ability to adapt to changing operational demands while continuing to innovate around scalability, latency, automation and audience engagement. Whether through live production, streaming delivery, cybersecurity or workflow orchestration, each business is contributing to a broader transformation happening across the industry.

Of course, there are many other organisations driving meaningful change across the space, and this list reflects the companies that have particularly stood out to our team during Q2 2026.

If your business is building something exciting across broadcast, streaming, sports technology or content delivery, we’d love to hear more. Feel free to reach out to the team at hello@neuco-group.com.

Article brought to you by neuco, global specialists in recruitment and executive search across Media, Sports Technology and Content & Broadcast.

9 Satellite, Space & Defence Companies to Watch in Q2 2026

Posted on by Charlotte Smith

Each quarter, our team at neuco takes a closer look at the Satellite, Space & Defence landscape to highlight companies we believe are making a significant impact across the industry.

These selections are shaped by ongoing conversations with industry leaders, market activity, and the wider developments we’re seeing every day across the sector. From funding rounds and expansion plans to innovation, strategic hires, new products and partnerships, we look at the signals pointing towards momentum and long-term influence.

Of course, this is subjective. There are many businesses doing exceptional things across the market, but these are the companies that have particularly caught our attention heading into Q2 2026.

The Q2 2026 Companies in Focus

With defence spending, private investment and commercial innovation continuing to accelerate across the sector, these are the businesses we feel are worth watching closely this quarter.

Orbit Fab

As on-orbit servicing continues to gather pace, Orbit Fab appears to be moving from promise towards commercial scale.

In March, the company announced a $20 million Series B funding round alongside a leadership transition, with founder Daniel Faber stepping back from day-to-day operations as the business prepares for its next stage of growth. Orbit Fab also strengthened its strategic positioning through collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space on satellite refuelling initiatives.

Together, these developments place Orbit Fab at the centre of a market increasingly focused on satellite longevity, manoeuvrability and mission resilience.

ISPTech

Momentum is continuing to build around ISPTech following the announcement of a €5.5 million seed round aimed at accelerating its in-orbit manoeuvring technology.

The funding is expected to support manufacturing expansion, infrastructure testing and future commercial deployment, giving the business a stronger platform as demand grows for efficient and reliable propulsion systems.

As the market increasingly prioritises orbital agility, congestion management and mission flexibility, ISPTech’s progress reflects growing investor confidence in propulsion-focused specialists.

Quantum Systems

Few businesses are combining growth and strategic depth quite like Quantum Systems right now.

In quick succession, the company secured a €150 million European financing package, acquired Hacker Motor to strengthen sovereign supply chains, and landed a significant interceptor drone contract linked to Ukraine’s air defence requirements.

That combination of funding, vertical integration and operational demand points towards a company scaling with clear intent, while also reflecting the broader shift towards European defence technology groups controlling more of the value chain internally.

D-Orbit

D-Orbit continues to demonstrate why space logistics is becoming one of the industry’s most important battlegrounds.

The business recently announced its 22nd commercial ION mission, secured a €110 million investment led by Azimut, and was selected by ESA as prime contractor for MORPH, an on-orbit satellite refurbishment mission.

These developments highlight both execution and ambition, with D-Orbit continuing to expand into infrastructure and servicing capabilities that are increasingly critical for sustainable and scalable orbital operations.

ClearSpace

A major step forward came for ClearSpace with the launch of PRELUDE alongside ESA, a programme designed to bridge the gap between demonstration missions and operational in-orbit services.

With launch targeted for 2027, the programme strengthens Europe’s wider push towards more responsible and commercially viable space operations.

As governments and agencies continue to prioritise orbital sustainability and security, ClearSpace is helping shape a market where debris removal and in-orbit servicing become essential parts of mission planning.

Robin Radar Systems

Robin Radar Systems continues to strengthen its defence positioning through both partnership and deployment activity.

The company recently partnered with DroneShield to integrate its IRIS 3D counter-UAS radar technology into a wider defence ecosystem, while also confirming support for counter-drone operations during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The increasing importance of radar-led drone detection across defence, homeland security and major event protection is creating significant momentum in this area, and Robin Radar Systems is positioning itself firmly within that conversation.

MDA Space

MDA Space is continuing to sharpen its defence strategy with the launch of 49North, a dedicated Canadian defence business focused on multi-domain and mission-critical capabilities.

The move expands the company’s strategic footprint at a time when sovereign capability is becoming increasingly central to defence procurement and national priorities.

Combined with its growing capital markets profile, MDA Space appears to be aligning scale with specialisation as larger space players adapt to rising security demand.

Telesat

Defence demand is clearly shaping the next phase of growth for Telesat.

The company is adding 500 MHz of military Ka-band spectrum to its Lightspeed constellation, secured a position on the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD IDIQ contract, and signed a strategic agreement with Hanwha.

These developments reinforce how commercial LEO infrastructure is increasingly being aligned with sovereign and defence priorities, particularly around secure and resilient connectivity.

Vast

Momentum continues to grow around Vast as commercial space stations move closer towards operational reality.

The company recently secured $500 million in new funding to accelerate production of its Haven stations, while also being selected by NASA for a future private astronaut mission to the ISS.

That combination of investment and validation strengthens Vast’s position within a strategically important market spanning commercial platforms, future exploration and defence-related infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

With investment, innovation and defence priorities continuing to shape the future of the industry, these are the companies that have stood out most to our team heading into Q2 2026.

That said, there are many organisations across Satellite, Space & Defence doing incredible work and driving meaningful change across the market.

If you are part of a company doing exciting things in the sector, we would love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out to the team at hello@neuco-group.com and tell us why you believe your organisation is helping shape the future of the industry.

Article brought to you by neuco, global specialists in recruitment and executive search across Satellite, Space & Defence.

RSAC 2026: AI, Hiring Challenges & Cybersecurity Talent

Posted on by Charlotte Smith

The RSA Conference 2026 once again brought together some of the brightest minds in cybersecurity.

And while the conversations spanned everything from product innovation to go-to-market strategy, one theme dominated across the board: AI is no longer emerging. It’s embedded.

]After speaking with industry leaders on the ground, Harry and Matt from neuco pulled together a few key reflections that are worth sharing.

AI is Reshaping the Hiring Landscape

From a recruitment perspective, AI is having a direct and immediate impact on hiring processes. Candidates are now able to apply for hundreds of roles in a matter of minutes. At the same time, AI tools are helping tailor and enhance CVs at scale.

The result?

  • A sharp increase in application volume
  • More noise in the screening process
  • Greater difficulty identifying genuinely relevant experience

For internal talent teams, this creates a clear challenge: how do you efficiently filter quality from quantity?

The Candidate Experience is Under Pressure

It’s not just employers feeling the strain; candidates are also navigating:

  • Overly complex and lengthy hiring processes
  • Delayed or non-existent feedback
  • Opportunistic or unclear job postings

When processes become bloated, communication suffers. And in a competitive market, that can quickly impact employer brand and candidate engagement.

AI in Cybersecurity: Moving Beyond the Hype

On the product side, the conversation around AI has matured. Rather than simply “using AI”, businesses are now focused on demonstrating tangible value.

For example:

  • AI-powered SOC tools that clearly quantify time saved
  • Solutions that directly link automation to customer outcomes
  • Platforms embedding AI to enhance, not replace, human decision-making

The shift is subtle but important. It’s no longer about having AI. It’s about what it actually delivers.

Talent Demand is Picking Up Again

One of the more positive takeaways from RSA? The hiring market is showing signs of recovery.

Over the past few months, there has been a noticeable uptick in hiring activity, particularly for:

  • Sales professionals on the US West Coast
  • Candidates with federal or public sector clearance
  • Highly specialised commercial roles

While challenges remain, there is a renewed sense of momentum across the market.

What Does This Mean Moving Forward?

If there’s one takeaway from RSA this year, it’s this: AI is accelerating everything – including the challenges.

For businesses, that means:

  • Rethinking hiring processes to manage scale and complexity
  • Being clearer and faster in candidate communication
  • Demonstrating real value in AI-driven solutions

For candidates:

  • Standing out is becoming harder, not easier
  • Authenticity and clarity matter more than ever
Harry and Matt from the enuco team attend RSAC 2026.

Final Thoughts from neuco

Events like RSA are a reminder that while technology evolves quickly, people remain at the centre of it all.

At neuco, we sit right in the middle of that intersection, helping businesses navigate talent challenges in a rapidly changing market.

If you’re hiring, scaling, or simply trying to make sense of where the market is heading, it’s a conversation worth having.

SATShow 2026 – Defence, Multi-Orbit Architectures & New Talent

Posted on by Charlotte Smith

A Market at an Inflexion Point

SATELLITE 2026 in Washington, D.C., has reinforced what many across the space and satellite ecosystem have been anticipating: the industry has entered a new phase of acceleration, shaped by geopolitical pressure, technological convergence, and the increasing strategic importance of space infrastructure.

Bringing together over 15,000 leaders across commercial, government, and military sectors, SATELLITE 2026 has made one thing clear: SATCOM is no longer a supporting capability; it is now mission-critical infrastructure underpinning global connectivity, security, and defence operations.

Government & Defence

One of the most defining themes across the week has been the central role of government and defence in shaping the satellite market.

What was once considered a parallel market is now firmly at the centre of industry strategy. Investment in secure, resilient, and sovereign satellite communications is accelerating rapidly, with governments increasingly relying on commercial operators to deliver capability at speed.

The concept of space as a contested domain has also taken centre stage. Conversations across GovMilSpace focused heavily on:

  • Space domain awareness
  • Cybersecurity in orbit
  • Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
  • Secure communications for defence operations

Multi-Orbit Architectures Become the Standard

Multi-orbit is no longer a differentiator; it is the baseline. The integration of LEO, MEO, and GEO networks is now central to delivering:

  • Resilient connectivity
  • Lower latency communications
  • Greater global coverage
  • Redundancy across mission-critical networks

Industry leaders are increasingly focused on hybrid architectures that combine the strengths of each orbit, enabling seamless service delivery across commercial and defence use cases.

Sovereignty, Speed & Scalability

Across both commercial and defence discussions, three priorities are consistently emerging:

1. Sovereign Capability

Nations are prioritising control over their satellite infrastructure, accelerating demand for sovereign and dual-use systems.

2. Speed of Deployment

Procurement cycles are shortening, with governments leaning on commercial innovation to deliver capability faster than traditional acquisition models allow.

3. Scalable Infrastructure

Operators are investing in next-generation constellations designed to deliver higher capacity, lower latency, and cost efficiencies at scale.

A clear example of this shift is the growing number of partnerships between established operators and emerging space companies, combining software-defined payloads with high-power satellite platforms to drive performance and flexibility.

The Talent Challenge

While technology continues to evolve at a pace, one constraint remains consistent across every conversation: talent.

Demand for experienced professionals across:

  • Satellite engineering
  • Systems architecture
  • Cybersecurity
  • Government and defence programmes
  • Commercial leadership

Continues to significantly outpace supply.

The reality is clear: the companies that can attract, develop, and retain top talent will be the ones that define the next phase of the space economy.

A Talent Perspective: Hiring for a Converging Industry

From a hiring and talent standpoint, there is a fundamental shift in what organisations need:

  • Cross-domain expertise – professionals who understand both commercial SATCOM and defence requirements
  • Systems-level thinking – engineers and leaders capable of working across multi-orbit architectures
  • Speed and adaptability – talent that can operate in fast-moving, innovation-driven environments
  • Security-first mindset – particularly as cyber and space domain awareness become critical

For organisations looking to scale, the challenge is no longer just hiring talent—it is building teams that can navigate an increasingly complex and converged ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

The overarching theme is not just innovation – it is execution.

The technology is advancing. Investment is accelerating. Demand is clear.

But the organisations that will lead the market are those that can:

  • Translate strategy into operational capability
  • Build the right partnerships across commercial and defence sectors
  • Secure the talent required to deliver at scale

As the space economy continues to evolve, the next 3–5 years will be defined not by who has the best technology, but by who can execute most effectively.

Laurie Scott, Director & Co-founder at neuco at the Satellite SHow DC 2026

About neuco

neuco is a global specialist recruitment partner supporting organisations across the satellite, space & defence, media & sports technology and cyber security sectors. With deep expertise in the space and satcom ecosystem, neuco partners with businesses to secure senior and executive talent across engineering, commercial, and leadership functions.

As the industry continues to converge across commercial and defence domains, neuco works closely with clients to navigate complex hiring challenges, identifying individuals who can deliver across multi-orbit architectures, mission-critical programmes, and rapidly evolving market demands.

With a focus on long-term partnerships and sector expertise, Neuco helps organisations build the teams required to scale, innovate, and lead in the next phase of the global space economy.

The Future of Sports Media Talent

Posted on by Charlotte Smith

Hiring Trends in a Streaming and Digital-First Industry

Sports media is no longer defined by traditional broadcasting. It has evolved into a global, digital, and streaming-first ecosystem where content, technology, and data are deeply interconnected.

As a result, the biggest shift is not just in how content is delivered, but in the type of talent organisations need to compete.

From neuco’s perspective, this transformation is fundamentally changing hiring strategies across the industry.

From Broadcast Foundations to Digital-First Capability

Traditional broadcast expertise still plays an important role. Production knowledge, live workflows, and content delivery remain critical to the industry.

However, these capabilities now sit alongside a growing demand for digital understanding. Organisations are looking for individuals who can operate across both environments, combining content expertise with an understanding of platforms, infrastructure, and audience behaviour.

This shift has led to a clear rise in demand for hybrid profiles. Talent that can bridge the gap between legacy broadcast and modern streaming ecosystems is becoming increasingly valuable.

The Growing Importance of Technical and Data Skills

As sports media continues to evolve, technology is no longer a supporting function. It is central to how content is distributed, experienced, and monetised.

There is a noticeable increase in demand for skills across cloud infrastructure, SaaS platforms, data analytics, and software development. These capabilities allow organisations to move faster, scale effectively, and better understand their audiences.

At the same time, businesses are not only looking for people who can build these systems, but also those who can apply them commercially. The ability to translate data and technology into revenue and engagement is becoming a defining factor in hiring decisions.

Why Hiring Strategies Need to Change

One of the key challenges facing sports media organisations is that many are still hiring from a relatively narrow talent pool.

Focusing purely on traditional media backgrounds limits access to the skill sets now required. The most forward-thinking companies are expanding their search into adjacent industries, including SaaS, consumer technology, and digital platforms.

This shift requires a different mindset. It is less about direct industry experience and more about transferable capability. Understanding how skills from other sectors can apply to sports media is becoming a competitive advantage.

Working with a specialist partner like neuco can support this process, helping organisations access talent that may not be visible through conventional hiring routes.

A Global and Increasingly Competitive Talent Market

The demand for sports media talent is truly global. The United States continues to lead in innovation and hiring activity, while the Middle East has emerged as a fast-growing region driven by investment and ambitious projects. Europe and APAC remain steady, with ongoing demand as digital transformation continues.

This globalisation creates both opportunity and competition. Organisations are no longer competing solely with direct industry peers, but also with technology companies and global platforms targeting the same talent pools.

Competing with Technology Giants for Talent

One of the most consistent challenges across the market is competition from hyperscalers and large technology firms.

These organisations are attracting the same profiles that sports media companies require, particularly across engineering, data, and product functions. Often, they bring larger budgets and stronger brand recognition, making it difficult to compete on traditional terms.

As a result, hiring success increasingly depends on how well organisations position themselves. The opportunity to work on globally recognised content, shape fan experiences, and influence the future of media can be a powerful differentiator, but it needs to be clearly communicated.

neuco’s Perspective

What is clear is that the future of sports media will be built by individuals who can operate across multiple disciplines.

The most valuable talent will not sit in silos, but will connect technology, content, and commercial outcomes. For organisations, the challenge is knowing where to find these individuals and how to engage them effectively.

At neuco, we work closely with businesses across content and media to navigate this shift. Because in a market defined by change, having the right people in place is what ultimately drives success.

Conclusion

The direction of travel is clear.

Sports media is becoming more digital, more global, and more competitive. The organisations that succeed will be those that rethink how they approach talent, looking beyond traditional profiles and embracing a more flexible, skills-first mindset.

Hybrid talent will define the next phase of growth, and the ability to attract and retain these individuals will be a key differentiator.

For a deeper dive into these trends, watch the full conversation with William Trenchard at neuco and SVG Europe, where we explore these insights in more detail.

neuco is a global recruitment and executive search firm specialising in content and media, helping organisations secure the talent needed to navigate digital transformation and growth.

CV Tips for Senior & Executive Professionals

Posted on by Charlotte Smith

From the team at neuco

When operating at a senior or executive level, your CV isn’t just a summary of your experience – it’s a strategic document that should reflect your leadership impact, vision, and the measurable value you’ve delivered. At neuco, we regularly support senior-level talent in positioning themselves effectively for global opportunities, and we’ve compiled these high-level recommendations to help refine and elevate your CV.

Prioritise Relevance

At this stage in your career, it’s not about listing everything – it’s about what matters most to the roles you’re targeting. Strip out early-career positions or unrelated part-time work unless they offer significant, transferable value.

Tip: Focus on your last 3-4 roles, ensuring they demonstrate scope, progression, and impact.

Show Your Impact – Tangibly

Data drives decisions. Whether it’s revenue growth, cost-saving initiatives, or successful turnarounds, back your achievements with numbers wherever possible.

For example:
“Led a team of 50+ across three regions, delivering 23% YoY revenue growth.”
“Reduced operational costs by 18% through supply chain restructuring.”

Make Your Contribution Clear

If a team delivered a major initiative, clarify your individual contribution. What role did you play in its success? What decisions did you lead? What roadblocks did you remove?

Recruiters and boards want to understand your unique leadership style and capabilities.

Tailor for Strategic Alignment

Your CV should reflect where you’re going – not just where you’ve been. Tailor it subtly for each opportunity, emphasising alignment with the organisation’s challenges, sector, and objectives.

Particularly if you have a hybrid background, tailor your CV to focus on and highlight the most relevant experience to the opportunity you are applying for.

Structure for Readability

Even the most experienced professionals can benefit from a clean, modern CV layout.

  • Stick to 1–3 pages
  • Use a clear hierarchy: Company | Role | Dates
  • Highlight promotions and internal progression
  • Keep role descriptions short and focus on key tangible achievements
  • Include a short executive summary at the top
  • Avoid over-styled formatting – keep it professional and easy to digest

File Format: PDF only
Hyperlinks: Ensure they work (LinkedIn, portfolio, publications)

Context Is Key

For global or niche-sector experience, offer context.
For example:

  • Was the company pre/post-IPO?
  • Was your division a new launch or a turnaround?
  • Were you leading through M&A, restructuring, or scale-up?

This is especially important when the company is lesser known or has undergone an acquisition or rebranding.

Consider Regional Differences

If applying internationally, be mindful of CV norms:

  • Photos and addresses may be standard in parts of Europe
  • UK/US CVs typically exclude these
  • We’re happy to advise on formatting and expectations by region

Be Honest About Contract Work or Gaps

One of the most common concerns we have from hiring managers is around candidates appearing ‘jumpy’, so where relevant, be sure to add in the context for role changes.

If you’ve held interim or consultancy roles, state this clearly. Similarly, if the company has been acquired, or you left during a transition period, add a line of explanation to avoid assumptions.

Need Help Refining Your CV?

neuco specialises in global executive search across Satellite & NewSpace, Connectivity, Content & Media, and Cyber Security. If you’re considering your next move or want a confidential review of your CV, reach out. We’d be happy to help!

Email us at hello@neuco-group.com

LinkedIn Optimisation Tips

Posted on by Charlotte Smith

Why it matters:

  • Recruiters find candidates using a mix of keywords, job titles, and location—make sure you show up in the right searches.
  • Hiring managers are increasingly turning to LinkedIn as a key tool to assess experience and credibility.
  • It’s a great way to show your network and experience by showing your who you are connected with in the industries you work.
  • Keeping your profile current helps the right opportunities come to you, faster.
  • Your network, visibility, and profile activity shape your personal brand.

Recruiters find candidates using a combination of keywords, job titles, and location – so it’s important to make sure you’re showing up in the right searches. Hiring managers are also placing increasing value on LinkedIn, often reviewing profiles before CVs to assess credibility and depth of experience. Many will also look at mutual connections within the industry, making your network a powerful way to demonstrate your reach and relevance. Keeping your profile up to date ensures the right opportunities can find you, while your visibility, activity, and network all contribute to shaping your professional brand.

Strengthen Your Profile

Content & Clarity

  • Align your profile with your CV, but be careful around including confidential details depending on your contract.
  • Add your current role and highlight any internal promotions; link them to your company page.
  • Be clear whether roles are permanent or contract.
  • Keep job summaries brief – no more than 150 words – summarising key responsibilities and tangible results (e.g. sales figures, notable clients, growth metrics).
  • Ensure your location is accurate to where you work or can commute – don’t default to your company HQ.

About Section:

  • Keep your summary concise: 3–5 sentences outlining your key strengths, sectors, and standout achievements.
  • Add a personal touch – mention what drives you or what you enjoy outside work.

Keywords & Headline

  • Use keywords relevant to your role and industry, including variations (e.g. IoT and “Internet of Things”).
  • Include alternative spellings (e.g. monetisation / monetization) to maximise search visibility.
  • Your headline should reflect your core skillset or job title (e.g. “Cybersecurity Specialist | SaaS | Pre-Sales Expert”) – keep it short and clear.

Profile Visuals

  • Use a professional, up-to-date profile photo.
  • Add a relevant banner image that reflects your sector or personal brand.

Increase Visibility & Engagement

Activity & Relationships

  • Engage with industry posts, comment thoughtfully, and follow relevant companies.
  • Share insights or articles to show you’re active and knowledgeable in your field.
  • Build your network – connect with peers, leaders, and others in your industry.
  • Ask for introductions and recommendations where appropriate.
  • When connecting with network in the industry, add a note where applicable if you have a personal or mutual connection.

Credibility & Consistency

  • Request recommendations from former colleagues or managers – they add weight to your profile.
  • Ensure your LinkedIn matches your CV – discrepancies can cause concern when reviewed by hiring manager.
  • If your company has gone through a name change or acquisition, make that clear in your experience section.

Creating AI-Enabled Sports Media Experiences 

Posted on by Charlotte Smith

AI has enabled the sports media sector to give viewers unparalleled access to behind-the-scenes and additional content. On Episode 36 of The Content & Media Matters Podcast, Elliot Renton, the SVP of Asia Pacific at Magnifi, joined us to share his own inside look at what’s happening behind the scenes of the sports media sector. He explained how AI is shaping the future of sports media, as well as sharing his predictions for how Magnifi will be helping to shape that future directly. Read on for more. 

How do you see AI shaping how fans experience sports, both live and digitally? 

I actually think we’re underestimating the role of AI in sports. I think it will penetrate every facet of the industry over time. It’s already impacting fan engagement and how we’re delivering content through the back-end workflows. Stadiums, ticketing, coaching, and players’ wearable technology are all workflows that can link together on top of what we’re doing in broadcast and social media. I think we will be looking back in a decade’s time at the role of AI, and as long as it’s been deployed responsibly and done in the right way, we’ll be looking at looking back at it as a transformative technology, just like the smartphone has been. Some areas are going to be slower than others, and you’re still going to need the human element, but I think as a technology for the sports industry, AI will continue to be very impactful in the future. 

What is Magnifi’s vision for revolutionising how we interact with sports content?

We as a business are about four years old and have grown from India to become a US-India business that’s doing some fantastic revenues. We work with some really great customers, like the IPL in India, some football federations in Europe and broadcasters. Earlier this year, we launched our US operations on a commercial level and are seeing explosive growth in that. The third pillar has been Asia in the last few months. We have to target the APAC market in a very different way because of its fragmented nature. But, technology-wise, we have a vision to provide AI solutions that can deliver content from the field of play to consumers working B2B with different businesses to understand their challenges. And we’re looking at how to venture into other content areas as well. 

In sports, we provide a set of solutions that are more flexible, affordable, and very easy to work with as a technology. What we’re fundamentally doing is asking business leaders, ‘How can you harness this AI-driven revolution and create more meaningful connections with your fans?’ There’s been a lot of talk about personalisation, but how you package that up from platform to platform will vary. So will the way that you harness the data that comes from that. We share data sets with all of our customers, and they can mix that up with their first-party data. 

Sports businesses in general are behind the curve when it comes to harnessing data. This is spoken about at events that we all go to all the time, but I think the opportunities around that are vast, both from a fan engagement point of view and an advertising or sponsorship point of view. We’re challenging business leaders to think about how they will bring technology into the fold, but we’re coming at it in a very flexible and easy manner. We’re asking, ‘How can you deploy that? How can you connect that to your existing thing? What technologies do you have to drive growth?’ That creates really exciting discussions. 

In this part of the world – certainly in APAC, where people are not quite sure what they want to do – we play a bit more of a consultative role. Then we have other customers who are very clear on what they want to do and how they want to deploy technology, and then it’s up to us to try and win that business. So there are some creative things going on in the sports industry, especially in this part of the world as well as in Europe, the UK and the US, where there are some really exciting developments happening too. 

To hear more from Elliot, tune into Episode 36 of The Content & Media Matters Podcast here.

We sit down regularly with some of the biggest names in our industry, we dedicate our podcast to the stories of leaders in the technologies industries that bring us closer together. Follow the link here to see some of our latest episodes and don’t forget to subscribe.