When Andre Iguodala entered the free market in 2013, his all-around skills attracted the attention of many strong teams, and many teams offered high-dollar contracts, but in the end Iguodala chose the Golden State Warriors. At that time, the Warriors’ bid and team lineup were Not the top, but in addition to being satisfied with the team culture, being close to Silicon Valley is one of the important reasons. "I have always been very keen on investing. Going to San Francisco gave me the opportunity to be in the center of the technology industry and see Apple, Google, and Uber." How these large companies are changing the world. I want to be part of that change and understand how these companies do it.”
Not long after joining the Warriors, Iguodala met Jeff Jordan, a partner of Andreessen Horowitz, the world's top venture capital firm, and discovered Twice, a new men's clothing startup. Iguodala not only invested in shares, but also became the fashion director. Twice was later acquired by eBay and became One of Iguodala's masterpieces. Since then, Iguodala has invested in more than 25 new companies, including mattress companies. Casper, financial management APP NerdWallet and Players' Tribune founded by Derek Jeter, etc., have completely transformed basketball IQ into the shopping mall.
Of course, other native Warriors players are already investment giants. In 2016, Iguodala hosted a technology summit as the vice chairman of the players union. One of the lecturers was Stephen Curry, who has extensive experience in investing in the technology industry. Curry’s main project is sports technology products. He is the founder of Slyce, a new sports marketing matchmaking company. He has also invested in the personal coaching app CoachUp and the e-sports company Team SoloMid. “Living in San Francisco, you will absorb a lot of things without knowing it.” I don’t like to limit myself when it comes to technology and venture capital knowledge. Trying different fields has always been my philosophy in life.” Curry and Iguodala also collaborated to organize three technology summits in San Francisco. “We hope to pass on the correct investment strategies to More players."
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The most successful team at present is definitely the Warriors. Draymond Green has invested in nutritional supplement startup Performance Inspired and boxing center Rumble. Former Warriors player Harrison Barnes has an outstanding investment resume. The Warriors' lounge is like a business. Research Center, "I am very lucky. The Warriors not only play well, they are also a group of business think tanks. We discuss the game, but also technology, entrepreneurship and investment. This is a team that guides people in the right direction." Green said .
Top star and philanthropist James
When it comes to investment, how can we not mention LeBron James, the current number one player in the NBA, both in terms of skills and business. According to the 2017 athlete income rankings released by Forbes, James ranked 6th and ranked first in the NBA for 4 consecutive years.
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9 years ago, James, who had just made some achievements, sought advice from Magic Johnson, but the advice was not about his golf skills, but how to accumulate wealth. "Look at your career from a businessman's perspective. Don't go it alone. Look for professionals and people who understand you." So James embraced the real "big leg" and found classmates Maverick Carter and Rich Paul to form LRMR Marketing. James started from the business he knew best and branched out into sports marketing and sports agency. The first project was when James announced that he would switch to sports marketing. "The Decision" of the team.
In addition to entrepreneurship, James has made outstanding investment achievements. In 2011, he bought shares in Liverpool 2%, which has increased five times, with a net profit of US$25 million. He bought shares in the well-known headphone brand Beats a few years ago, which was also acquired by Apple. And earned more than 30 million US dollars. James' most recent success is his investment in the fast-growing pizza chain Blaze Pizza. In 2012, he invested in 10% for less than US$1 million. He has provided advice as a consultant many times, and even served as a spokesperson and attended events in person. Today, Blaze Pizza's There are more than 200 branches in the United States, and its market value has exceeded US$250 million. Now that James has moved to Los Angeles, which has better business development prospects, many people are looking forward to what kind of sparks James will have with the world's leading entertainment city.
However, investment is not James’ most important sideline. In an interview with ESPN, James said that he hopes to build a multi-faceted brand. “In his envisioned future blueprint, charity, family, fan service and entertainment complement each other and are indispensable. "ESPN reporter Pablo S. Torre said. In July this year, James founded I Promise School in his hometown of Akron. He conceived it for 10 years and cooperated with public schools in the form of a foundation. The purpose was to help children get rid of their original difficulties and backgrounds through education. James is also promoting He wrote that this was one of the best moments of his life and the most meaningful side job.
