Liverpool, UK — While most footballers spend their off-pitch time on endorsements and luxury purchases, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has spent 2025 diving deeper into venture investing, backing ambitious founders and their transforming ideas.
The 26-year-old Dutch international announced his investment activities via LinkedIn this week, revealing partnerships with seven new startups and several venture funds. The move positions him as one of football’s most active angel investors in the technology space.
Gakpo participated in Fyxer AI’s $10 million Series A round led by 20VC, supporting the AI agent that helps organize workflows and handle tasks like replying to emails. Within months, Fyxer AI raised another $30 million in a Series B led by Madrona.
The footballer also joined a $20 million seed round led by Creandum for Jack & Jill, an AI agent revolutionizing the hiring process by engaging both employers and employees to find ideal matches.
His third major investment went to SEA Water, which addresses water scarcity by filtering seawater into drinking water. For Gakpo, whose father hails from Togo, this investment holds personal significance given water challenges across Africa.
Gakpo established CMG Nexus, a venture capital firm, in 2023. His investing journey began during his time at PSV Eindhoven, where conversations with teammate Mario Götze, one of Germany’s most successful player-investors, opened his eyes to opportunities beyond football.
“My family always advised me to handle my finances thoroughly and care for myself post-career,” Gakpo explained. He built a small advisory team and has since invested in multiple venture funds and startups.
Unlike celebrities who simply write cheques, the Dutch international takes time to understand the companies he backs. His portfolio extends beyond AI to include sports technology and wealth management platforms.
Read More: Wait, Your Favourite Athlete Is Now a VC? Meet 10 Sports Stars Who Said “Forget Endorsements, I’m Backing Startups”
Earlier in 2025, Gakpo invested in ScorePlay, a US-based digital asset management platform used by over 200 sports organizations including the Premier League. He also backed Prosper, an AI wealth management platform, alongside England cricket captain Ben Stokes.
The footballer indicated more announcements are coming, stating he’s excited about what 2026 holds for his investment activities.
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