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How World Cup champion Mario Götze built a parallel career as an angel investor
World Cup champion Mario Götze is diversifying his career as an angel investor, with his investment firm, Companion M, backing over 70 startups, including two unicorns. He prioritizes sectors like B2B SaaS, cybersecurity, and biotech. Götze balances his sports career with investments, citing a strategic approach learned from others in athletics. He aims to build long-term wealth while preparing for life after soccer.
Key points
- Götze won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany, cementing his soccer legacy.
- He founded Companion M, which has invested in over 70 startups, focusing on early-stage rounds.
- Two investments, Flatpay and Parloa, achieved unicorn status in 2025.
- His investment strategy emphasizes sectors where he has expertise, notably excluding direct sports tech.
- Invested in SanityGroup, a cannabis startup, reflecting a shift in European cannabis laws.
- Companion M operates as a small team to support Götze's investment activities.
- Götze's investments are influenced by his family background in academia and technology.
- Plans to transition fully to investment activities post-soccer, maintaining a long-term wealth focus.
Why it matters
- Götze's career parallels a broader trend of athletes investing, seen with figures like Kevin Durant.
- The cannabis investment reflects changing legal environments, which is notable in the context of 2025's liberalization of cannabis in Germany.
- Increased investment activity among athletes points to a significant trend of personal branding and diversification in income streams.
- Götze's approach aligns with 2025 IT trends focusing on health and biotech, driven by an interest in human performance.
Mario Götze exemplifies the modern athlete investing strategically post-career. His focus on technology and healthcare, coupled with an adaptive investment approach, positions him well for future success beyond soccer.