Award-winning Canadian rapper and entrepreneur Drake has been announced as an investor of Italian soccer club Venecia FC after joining global sports investment company, APEX Capital.
Apex Capital announced the rapper’s addition to investors of the Venezia FC through an Instagram post on Wednesday the 14th of August 2024.
The announcement comes after Drake raised 40 million dollars to save the club from going bankrupt. The club had earlier planned to file for bankruptcy and risk being demoted to the lowest Serie D.
Breaking the news of the rapper’s addition to the project, the sports investment company wrote on Instagram;
“Global icon Drake has joined @veneziafc investor group alongside APEX to fund the club ahead of its Serie A season. His Nike sub-brand NOCTA becomes the team’s official kit sponsor, a huge step towards the merging of culture and sports.”
NOCTA is the ‘God’s Plan’ hitmaker’s clothing brand he joined forces with global streetwear company, Nike to create.
“We’re excited to partner with Venezia FC, a team that embodies the rich history and vibrant culture of Venice,” Drake management team spokesman Matte Babel said.
“It’s the perfect intersection of sport and culture and we’re looking forward to contributing to a franchise that stretches beyond the pitch.”
Kappa, an Italian sportswear brand had earlier been a kit sponsor of Venezia FC in the previous football seasons until it moved to Nike. The club moved from Kappa to Nike to get more creative control over its kits.
Creative agencies such as Bureau Borsche have been used by Venezia FC for its jersey designs.
“One of Venezia FC’s goals is to leverage the global popularity of football and bring international attention to one of the most culturally significant cities in the world,” Venezia FC brand manager Fabrizia Monteleone said.
“Venezia FC serves as an ambassador for the city of Venice and the club’s relationship with NOCTA will reinforce Venezia FC’s broader mission to celebrate the city’s cultural heritage.”
The full collection of kits of the club will be available in September during the international break.
APEX’s investment portfolio focuses on sports, media and entertainment investments, and includes stakes in the Alpine F1 team and Bay Golf Club.
