Fintech Ramp Secures Saquon Barkley: Eagles Star Joins as Investor and Super Bowl Ad Headliner
In a groundbreaking move, Philadelphia Eagles’ star running back Saquon Barkley has not only invested in the fintech startup Ramp but also features in the company’s inaugural Super Bowl commercial. This partnership highlights the growing intersection of sports and technology, showcasing how athletes are becoming influential figures in the investment landscape.
Saquon Barkley’s Strategic Investment in Ramp
Interestingly, Barkley initiated the contact with Ramp, demonstrating a proactive approach to investment. As reported by Ramp’s CEO and co-founder, Eric Glyman, Barkley was inspired to reach out after reading Peter Thiel’s book, “Zero to One.” This decision was further solidified by strong recommendations from mutual investor friends.
Insights from Barkley on His Investment
In a blog post on Ramp’s website, Barkley shared his vision for the partnership, stating:
“True partnership requires skin in the game. That’s why I invested in Ramp. I saw firsthand how they’re powering American businesses to cut costs and achieve a higher level of performance. That’s the kind of impact I want to be part of.”
Ramp: Innovating the Fintech Space
Founded in 2019, Ramp has rapidly established itself in the corporate card and expense management sector. The company has expanded its offerings to include travel, bill payment, and more. Currently, Ramp holds a valuation of $7.65 billion.
Details on the Super Bowl Commercial
The 15-second commercial featuring Barkley, which depicts him overwhelmed by a pile of expense reports, was produced in a remarkably short timeframe of just seven days, according to Glyman.
Barkley’s Broader Investment Portfolio
This investment marks Barkley’s largest private technology investment to date. In addition to Ramp, he has also invested in:
- Monad Labs – A crypto startup
- Sequin – A fintech and Y Combinator alum
- X2 Performance – A beverage company
Upcoming Events
The highly anticipated Super Bowl airs on February 9, where the Philadelphia Eagles will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs. This event will not only highlight the sport but also the innovative spirit of athletes like Barkley venturing into the fintech realm.
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