Team building: Your investment ‘starting XI’

Team Building for Your Wealth: Lessons from World Cup Winners and Investment Pros

The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of sports investment, emphasizing a growing group of sports investors. World Cup winner and investor Julian Draxler shared his journey from being a young athlete spending on luxuries to becoming a seasoned investor. He detailed his early involvement in business through his father’s ventures and his subsequent investments, leading to his current role as a company manager and collective business investor.

Mr. Draxler, alongside Koen Bosma, Partner at Apex Capital, discussed the Elite Investors Fund. A key aspect of this fund is the integration of input from athlete investors. Mr. Bosma stressed the unique experiences and networks athletes possess, which are invaluable assets in the investment world. These insights go beyond traditional financial modeling, offering a distinct advantage in identifying promising opportunities.

The fund actively leverages athletes’ knowledge, particularly in areas like security and organizational structures relevant to their careers. Mr. Bosma explained that athletes, playing at the highest levels, provide crucial information and perspectives that guide investment decisions. This access to specialized, real-world information from those directly involved in the sports industry is considered a significant competitive edge.

Regarding future trends, Mr. Bosma anticipates significant growth in data collection and its application within sports. He noted the rapid evolution of the athlete’s role, moving from solely performance-focused to encompassing capital needs, well-being, and personal brand management. This shift means athletes are increasingly turning down opportunities that do not align with their personal values or needs.

When building a successful investment team, Mr. Bosma emphasized selecting individuals who are genuinely interested and well-known for their investment acumen. He advised starting with the best candidates for a project. Mr. Draxler added that surrounding oneself with knowledgeable people is crucial, acknowledging one’s own limitations and avoiding overestimating personal qualities in business.

Mr. Draxler reflected on his own investment mistakes, noting that early on, he prioritized fun and immediate gratification over long-term financial planning. He learned the importance of discipline and seeking expert advice. For young athletes, he advises against immediate lavish spending, suggesting a balanced approach to enjoying success while also securing their financial future through wise investments and trusted advisors.

Finally, on constructing an investment “starting XI,” Mr. Bosma described their portfolio as a defensive mechanism, emphasizing diversification across various businesses. He acknowledged that some investments would succeed while others might not, but the overall strategy is to protect capital. Mr. Draxler echoed the sentiment of diversification, comparing it to building a balanced team with both defensive and offensive players, ensuring a robust and resilient investment strategy.