As German soccer standout Mario Götze builds his investment portfolio, he is drawing inspiration from other current and former star athletes.
Among the people Götze looks up to is former San Francisco 49ers star quarterback Joe Montana, an angel investor and founder of venture firm Liquid 2 Ventures. The 2014 FIFA World Cup final hero also lists NBA star and Thirty Five Ventures co-founder Kevin Durant as someone he admires for his athletic prowess as well as his business acumen.
Götze has taken notes from athlete investors in the States, who he said have a different culture and overall ecosystem compared to Europe where foreign athletes typically wait until their careers are nearly over to develop their business portfolios.
The midfielder for Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt has decided to create his own path before he retires. The venture capitalist has already invested in more than 40 early-stage startups across tech and wellness through his private investment vehicle Companion-M.
Götze joined Business Beyond the Game to discuss his investment thesis, his approach to brand partnerships and preparing for life after his playing career. One of Germany’s all-time best players has also considered club ownership but is focused for now on not veering away from his investment strategy.
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