Mario Götze's second act: From soccer star to venture capitalist - AI News Today Recency

# Mario Götze's Second Act: From Soccer Star to Venture Capitalist

German football legend Mario Götze, best known for scoring the winning goal in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, has quietly built a thriving parallel career as an angel investor and venture capitalist[1][2]. While maintaining his professional soccer career across Europe's top leagues, Götze has strategically diversified into early-stage investing, building a portfolio of over 70 angel investments and 15 fund investments through his company Companion M[6]. This transformation showcases how elite athletes are increasingly leveraging their success, networks, and business acumen to create lasting wealth beyond their playing years.

From the Pitch to the Boardroom: Götze's Venture Journey

Götze began his investment career in 2016 as a passion project, drawing parallels between the teamwork and vision-building required in soccer and the entrepreneurial landscape[1]. What started as a side interest has evolved into a sophisticated investment operation. He founded Companion M to formalize his approach, combining personal brand management with early-stage venture capital activities[6]. The company operates with a disciplined investment strategy, typically deploying €25,000-€50,000 checks into pre-seed and seed-stage companies across Europe and the USA[6].

The soccer star's transition into venture capital wasn't accidental. Götze recognized early on that building a diversified portfolio would secure his financial future beyond his playing career. "In soccer, we also have the season, working on things as a team, building a vision, and a common goal. It's very similar to us as athletes," Götze explained in an interview[1]. This philosophy of treating investments like team projects has become central to his investment thesis.

Investment Strategy: Athlete-Related Ventures and Founder Bets

Götze's investment portfolio spans two distinct categories[2]. The first focuses on athlete-related companies where he has natural passion and expertise—areas where his personal experience as a professional athlete provides genuine insight[2]. The second pillar emphasizes founder-driven investments across diverse sectors including crypto, Web3, sustainability, deep tech, B2B SaaS, and emerging technologies[2].

His recent investments demonstrate this diversification[1]:

- Freeverse.io – An NFT living asset platform - Junto – A business training course company - Virtex Stadium – A virtual experience brand - Knowunity – A digital learning platform - Remedy Place – A social wellness club operator expanding across Los Angeles and New York

Götze also made headlines in 2020 by investing in Sanity Group, a German cannabis startup, when most European institutional investors were avoiding the sector[5]. This bold move demonstrated his willingness to take calculated risks on emerging industries with long-term potential.

The majority of Götze's investments—80-90%—stem from personal connections and founder relationships rather than traditional deal-sourcing channels[1]. He actively receives investment pitches through LinkedIn and relies on an advisory board of trusted business leaders, micro-VCs, and founders he's cultivated over years[1]. Currently, most of his portfolio companies are German-based, though he's increasingly exploring opportunities across the broader pan-European ecosystem[1].

Building a World-Class Investment Network

Unlike many celebrity investors who simply lend their names to startups, Götze brings substantive value to his investments beyond capital[6]. Companion M operates with a small, focused team by design, allowing Götze to maintain hands-on involvement with portfolio companies[6]. His network includes established venture capital firms like Kima Ventures, prominent entrepreneurs like Nicolas Julia (CEO of Sorare), and industry operators from companies like Notion and Typeform[3].

Götze draws inspiration from other athlete-investors who have successfully transitioned to venture capital. He admires former NFL quarterback Joe Montana, founder of venture firm Liquid 2 Ventures, and NBA star Kevin Durant, co-founder of Thirty Five Ventures, for their ability to combine athletic excellence with sophisticated business acumen[4].

His location in Frankfurt, Europe's leading financial center, provides additional networking advantages on both the media-marketing and venture sides[1]. This strategic positioning allows him to access deal flow while maintaining visibility in Germany's vibrant startup ecosystem.

Long-Term Vision: Building a 100+ Company Portfolio

Götze has set an ambitious goal to grow his portfolio to 100-plus companies while continuing to actively contribute to founder teams and learn from their journeys[1]. Rather than rushing to establish a traditional venture capital fund, he's maintaining his flexible angel investor model, which allows him to invest with discipline while preserving his focus on soccer and brand partnerships.

This measured approach reflects Götze's long-term thinking. He views his venture capital activities as complementary to his brand-building efforts with major sponsors like Nike, Hyundai, and Revolute[4]. By maintaining authentic relationships with founders and companies, he builds credibility that extends beyond his playing career.

Ultimately, Götze aspires to become an expert in angel investing or venture capital, contributing meaningfully to the European startup ecosystem while continuing to learn and evolve alongside his portfolio companies[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Mario Götze start his career as an investor?

Götze began his investment career in 2016 as a passion project, noticing similarities between teamwork in soccer and entrepreneurial ventures[1]. He formalized his approach by founding Companion M, which combines personal brand management with early-stage venture capital activities[6].

What types of companies does Mario Götze invest in?

Götze invests across two main categories: athlete-related ventures where he has personal passion, and founder-driven bets spanning crypto, Web3, sustainability, deep tech, B2B SaaS, and other emerging sectors[2]. His typical check size ranges from €25,000-€50,000 at the pre-seed and seed stages[6].

How many companies has Mario Götze invested in?

Götze has made over 70 angel investments and manages 15 fund investments through Companion M[6]. He aims to grow his portfolio to 100-plus companies while maintaining active involvement with each investment[1].

Does Mario Götze only invest in German startups?

While the majority of Götze's portfolio companies are German-based, he is increasingly exploring opportunities across the broader pan-European ecosystem[1]. Companion M operates across Europe and the USA[6].

How does Götze find investment opportunities?

Approximately 80-90% of Götze's investments come from personal founder meetings and relationships rather than traditional deal-sourcing[1]. He also receives investment pitches through LinkedIn and relies on an advisory board of trusted business leaders and micro-VCs[1].

What is Companion M?

Companion M is the investment vehicle Götze founded to manage his early-stage investments with focus and discipline[6]. The company also handles his brand rights management and serves as a platform for long-term business partnerships, operating with a small team by design[6].