APEX, an athlete-driven investment company, announced the launch of its new €50 million Elite Performance Fund. This investment vehicle is poised to reshape the landscape of sports, media, and entertainment by channeling the expertise and vision of world-renowned athletes such as Formula 1 sensations Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz and FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner Raphaël Varane.
The fund’s core philosophy revolves around fostering innovative solutions that redefine the boundaries of the sports, media, and entertainment industries. Investors gain privileged access to a diverse portfolio meticulously managed by APEX’s team of experts known for their credibility and ability to find the right opportunities in the market.
Also joining the list of star investors are, among others, F1’s Valtteri Bottas, international footballers Christian Eriksen, Jan Vertonghen, Daley Blind, Luuk de Jong, João Mário and Julian Draxler, and surfer Kanoa Igarashi.
APEX CEO António Caçorino said: “We are thrilled to unveil the Elite Performance Fund, a dynamic platform that utilizes APEX’s track record in combination with the unique perspectives of accomplished athletes. This fund fuses the drive, dedication, and performance mindset of athletes with forward-looking investment strategies. Unlike typical investors, our roots, experience, and insights come directly from the sports world. Athletes aren’t just our capital sources; they’re our partners. They infuse our decisions with genuine insights from their respective sports.”
The Portuguese investment company has already invested in other elite sports ventures such as TMRW SPORTS’ Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Other investments feature smart-venue AI technology company Playsight and the sports media asset manager ScorePlay. The launch of the Elite Performance Fund signifies a defining moment for APEX, positioning itself as a pioneer in the sports investment landscape driven by an entrepreneurial athlete community.
Raphaël Varane, Manchester United and France international, said: “I have been investing in startups for some time now. Gaining access to the right opportunities is paramount. By joining APEX I will not only be able to access the right opportunities, but on top of that, I can share my investment experiences with other athletes and learn from theirs. A powerful and exciting combination.”
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari F1 driver, added: “Being deeply involved in sports has given me a unique perspective on its landscape. With APEX’s guidance, I’m tapping into that insight to discover exciting investment opportunities. It’s not just about capital for me; it’s about strategically positioning myself as a genuine contributor in the sports investment world.”
Founded in 2020, APEX only makes investments in companies where their athletes and ecosystem can add value beyond capital. According to the founders, they have found that this approach leads to the most successful investments and helps them achieve their goal of creating value for everyone.
