Oleksandr Usyk plunged into business and invested in two startups
10 April 10:56
The absolute world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has decided to invest in two promising international startups with Ukrainian roots, which are part of the portfolio of the angel syndicate ICLUB, founded by TA Ventures. This was reported by the specialized publication Dev.ua, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs.
The publication reminds that Oleksandr Usyk already has experience in investing in technology projects. Since 2023, he has been a co-founder of Ready To Fight, a blockchain platform for the integration and digital transformation of the global boxing industry.
This time, as Vector has already reported, Oleksandr Usyk has invested in a modern legal tech company and a managed mental health marketplace. The exact amount of investment made by Oleksandr Usyk is not disclosed. The total amount of funds invested by ICLUB members in 2024 is $20 million.
ICLUB is an angel venture capital syndicate founded by TA Ventures. The strategy of the angel syndicate provides financial support for early and growing stage startups. Over the seven years of its existence, the club has grown to more than 2000 members who have invested over $60 million in 87 deals and have made a profit from nine successful exits.
Thus, Oleksandr Usyk became a business angel for two international tech startups.
Who are business angels?
These are private investors who invest in early-stage startups. The very concept of an angel was formed in the early 20th century on Broadway. It was the name given to investors who helped theaters to stage productions that lacked money. They could make a huge profit or lose everything. Angel investing flourished in the second half of the twentieth century. The first investors in Microsoft, Apple, and other IT giants were angels.
Angels can be professional or not. The former earn their living by investing. Non-professional angels are just people who decide to invest some money in a project they like. These investors need to remember that investing is not a way to make quick money. Their money will be “frozen” for an average of four to six years.
The Ukrainian champion has something to invest in
Last year, Oleksandr Usyk became one of the highest paid athletes in the world.
The seventh place in the ranking of the highest paid athletes was achieved in 2024 by the absolute heavyweight boxing champion.
Oleksandr Usyk received $122 million for two fights against Tyson Fury, which allowed him to take a high place in the ranking of the highest paid athletes.
