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Saquon Barkley: From NFL Star to Fintech Investor
In a surprising twist, Philadelphia Eagles’ standout Saquon Barkley has transitioned from the football field to the finance world by becoming a significant investor in Ramp, a fintech startup that specializes in corporate card and expense management. What's remarkable is that Barkley initiated the investment himself after discovering Ramp through mutual acquaintances and reading Peter Thiel's influential book, Zero to One. This shift highlights a growing trend where athletes leverage their fame and financial acumen to support and amplify innovative technology.
The Value of Partnership
According to Ramp CEO Eric Glyman, Barkley was impressed by the impact Ramp has on businesses, aiming to cut costs and enhance performance. In his own words, Barkley stated, "True partnership requires skin in the game. That’s why I invested in Ramp." This sentiment emphasizes the importance of aligning interests, particularly when integrating technology that can fundamentally change how businesses operate.
A Swift Marketing Strategy
In addition to his investment, Barkley stars in Ramp’s debut Super Bowl commercial—a clever and concise 15-second ad featuring him overwhelmed by a pile of expense reports. The rapid conception and completion of this ad in just seven days underscore a modern marketing strategy that leverages celebrity influence in the fast-paced world of digital advertising. With the Super Bowl just around the corner, this partnership is set to elevate Ramp’s visibility significantly.
Barkley’s Growing Portfolio
Interestingly, Barkley’s investment in Ramp represents his largest venture in private technology to date. He has already made strides in the investment domain, previously supporting various startups, including Monad Labs in the crypto space and Y Combinator's Sequin. This diversification signifies a broader interest in technologies that shape our daily lives, offering small and medium-sized businesses the tools they need to thrive.
Ramp’s Growing Influence in Fintech
Since its launch in 2019, Ramp has established itself as a key player in the fintech landscape, focusing not just on expense management but branching into travel and bill payments as well. With a remarkable valuation of $7.65 billion, Ramp's growth reflects the rising demand for efficient financial solutions, especially as businesses navigate an increasingly complex economic environment.
As companies seek ways to optimize their operations and reduce costs, partnerships like Barkley and Ramp show how blending sports, finance, and technology can lead to innovative solutions beneficial for all involved.
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