In the ever-evolving world of sports, fans have always dreamed of being a part of their favourite athletes’ success stories. Imagine investing in a young talent before they become a household name, just like you would invest in Google or Apple. This is now possible thanks to Parker Graham and Yves Batoba, who have launched Vestible — an innovative platform that allows fans to buy stock in emerging athletes and share in their success.
A New Era in Sports Fandom
As a sports enthusiast, have you ever wished you could own a piece of the next Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce? With Vestible, that dream is now a reality. This Kansas City-based startup, co-founded by serial entrepreneur and Pipeline fellow Parker Graham, along with fellow Oklahoma State football alum Yves Batoba, offers fans the opportunity to invest in athletes before they make it big.
“We’re focusing on the next Patrick Mahomes,” Graham said. “We’re looking for athletes who haven’t made it yet but have the potential to earn a lot of money for their investors and themselves.”
The Birth of Vestible
In January, Vestible became the first startup of its kind to receive federal approval, launching the app in March. The platform currently features Denver Broncos outside linebacker Baron Browning, with plans to bring more athletes on board soon. The goal is to close the first offering within the next couple of months.
How Vestible Works
Vestible partners with up-and-coming athletes to create a company via regulatory qualification. This company is then split into equity shares, allowing fans to invest.
- Raising Capital: Athletes receive 80% of the proceeds from the capital raised. For example, if Vestible raises a million dollars, the athlete takes home $800,000.
- Investor Returns: Investors buy shares and build their athlete portfolio during the initial offering. After 30 days, they can trade shares within the app. Investors earn distributions whenever the athlete gets paid, including bonuses and incentives.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine investing in Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Jones 10 years ago. When he received a $1.25 million bonus for achieving 10 sacks last season, investors would also profit from that bonus. This unique investment model allows fans to be financially involved in their favourite athletes’ successes.
Inspired by the Crypto Boom
The idea for Vestible came to Graham and Batoba in 2021 during the rise of NFTs, cryptocurrency, and sports. Seeing the potential for regulated, secure investments, they envisioned a platform where fans could safely invest in athletes.
“We wanted to do something really cool and innovative with athletes,” Graham explained. “And create businesses with them in a regulated space that provides investment protections.”
Combining Superpowers
Graham’s background as a professional athlete, investment advisor, and software founder, combined with Batoba’s experience in player engagement and development, make them the perfect team to bring Vestible to life.
The Future of Athlete Investment
With plans to bring on 10 athletes this year, Vestible is poised to revolutionise the sports investment landscape. The platform taps into the modern athlete’s brand-building potential and the increasing intelligence and engagement of sports fans.
Athletes as CEOs
Today’s athletes are not just players; they are brands and CEOs. Vestible offers a natural extension to the revenue they generate on the field or court. Fans can now be a part of this exciting journey, investing in their favourite athletes’ futures.
Join the Movement
Investing in athletes is no longer a fantasy. With Vestible, you can own a piece of the next big sports star. It’s a new world where fans are smarter, more engaged, and have the opportunity to share in the success of their favourite athletes.
Conclusion
Vestible is more than just an investment platform; it’s a revolution in sports fandom. By providing real ownership in emerging athletes, Vestible bridges the gap between fans and their favourite sports stars. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or an investor looking for the next big opportunity, Vestible offers a unique and exciting way to be a part of the sports industry.
Learn more:
- Parker Graham
- Vestible
- Emerging Athletes
- Sports Investment
- Athlete Ownership
