From Touchdowns to Transactions: Journey in Sports Investment with Marques Colston
Hey there, fellow investors and sports enthusiasts!
I'm thrilled to share the latest episode of "The Deal Scout" with you. This one is particularly special as it features Marques Colston, a former NFL player who has made an impressive transition into the world of deal-making and investment. Here are some key takeaways and intriguing insights from our conversation that you won't want to miss:
Key Highlights:
1. From NFL to Venture Capital:
Marques's Transition: After a decade in the NFL, Marques ventured into team ownership, angel investing, and eventually co-founded Champion Venture Partners. His journey is a testament to the power of continuous learning and adaptability.
Learning from Failures: Marques shares a candid story about an investment in a cannabis company that didn't pan out. His takeaway? Failures are only losses if you don't learn from them.
2. Champion Venture Partners:
Investment Focus: Unlike traditional sports investments, Champion Venture Partners targets the broader sports ecosystem—think technology, fan experiences, player performance, and even sports medicine.
Creating Access: Marques and his team are committed to providing investment opportunities to a wider range of investors, including athletes and retail investors who typically wouldn't have access to this space.
3. Understanding the Sports Value Chain:
Business Opportunities: From payment processing to media rights, Marques breaks down the multifaceted nature of the sports industry and where the money can be made.
Scalability: Technologies that enhance fan experiences and provide valuable data can lead to substantial returns on investment.
4. Advice for Young Athletes:
Identity Beyond Sports: Marques emphasizes the importance of young athletes defining who they are outside of their sport.
Stay Humble and Take Action: Humility and proactive learning are key to preparing for life after sports.
5. Personal Touch:
Tribute to His Father: Marques shares a touching story about how he honors his late father during games, adding a deeply personal layer to his professional journey.
Why Listen?
This episode is a goldmine of insights for anyone interested in the intersection of sports and business. Whether you're an investor looking for new opportunities or an athlete preparing for life after sports, Marques' journey offers valuable lessons and inspiration.
I encourage you to tune in and soak up the wisdom Marques has to offer. As always, feel free to reach out with your thoughts and questions. Let's continue to learn and grow together!
Next Steps
- Share your thoughts with a review - https://www.thedealscout.com/reviews/
- Let's connect on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
- Subscribe and Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQN_Y3nhDGClfMxCSBDjOg
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Josh Wilson, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.
Josh Wilson is a licensed real estate broker and an investment banker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.
Marques Colston
Marques Colston is the Founding Partner of Champion Venture Partners, an asset management firm providing broader investor access to sports and sports-adjacent alternative investments.
Marques is a seasoned business leader with a unique ability to 'Create Separation,' the driving force behind his journey from unlikely NFL superstar and Super Bowl champion to business leader, owner, partner, and strategic advisor to dozens of businesses and organizations.
He’s supported professional athletes, entrepreneurs, business owners, and decision-makers in top companies like Nike, Jordan, NFLPA, and Bolthouse Farms as an executive coach and strategic advisor, helping individuals and organizations to unlock sustainable high performance.
As an independent consultant, Marques served as Managing Director for the Center for Innovation at Virtual Health systems, building and operationalizing innovative programs, including an intrepreurship program to support employees bring innovative business ideas to market.
He spent seven years as an Arena Football owner and operator, where his organizations won 3 championships and multiple Front Office of the Year Awards. Additionally, he helped to secure strategic partnerships like Facebook, CBS, Twitter, and Draftkings as a member of the AFL Business Development committee.
Marques has also stepped into management roles in several early stage companies. At Main Squeeze Juice Co., as the first outside investor, he spearheaded business development, helping it expand to 30+ franchises in development in 2 y… Read More