Game Changers Dope #5

LEGACY BUILDERS

Paul Rabil's Secret to Success: How a Lacrosse Star Built a Business Empire.

Paul Rabil, a name synonymous with lacrosse excellence, has not only left an indelible mark on the sport but has also made significant strides in the business world. With an illustrious athletic career, successful business ventures, strategic investments, and a lasting impact on the lacrosse community, Rabil is a true pioneer who continues to inspire athletes both on and off the field.

Paul Rabil's athletic achievements in the world of lacrosse are nothing short of extraordinary. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport's history, Rabil has redefined the way lacrosse is played. As a two-time Major League Lacrosse (MLL) MVP and a six-time MLL All-Star, his combination of speed, agility, and unmatched shooting accuracy has made him a force to be reckoned with.

Furthermore, Rabil's prowess as an offensive midfielder earned him numerous accolades, including the World Lacrosse Championship MVP and the FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championship MVP. The all-time scoring champion has relentless work ethic and dedication to the game have cemented his legacy as one of lacrosse's true icons.

Beyond his remarkable athletic achievements, Paul Rabil has successfully ventured into the business world, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2018, he co-founded the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), a groundbreaking professional lacrosse league that revolutionized the sport. The PLL implemented a tour-based model, elevating the level of competition and enhancing fan engagement.

Rabil's innovative approach to the sport extends beyond the PLL. He has leveraged social media and digital platforms to build a personal brand, attracting a vast following and becoming a prominent influencer. Through his strategic partnerships and collaborations, Rabil has not only expanded the reach of lacrosse but also opened new avenues for athletes to embrace entrepreneurship.

Recognizing the power of strategic investments, Paul Rabil has utilized his business acumen to make shrewd financial decisions. He launched Rabil Ventures in 2016, which provides capital, advisory, and operating expertise to entrepreneurs and companies at any stage. They've worked and invested across a variety of industries, with their deepest expertise lying in sports, financial services, and health and wellness.

Some of Rabil Ventures portfolio include:

99 Counties is building a vertically-integrated platform for farmers, entrepreneurs, and consumers. It supports Regenerative Farmers to bring products to market and offer healthy, nutrient-dense foods to consumers.
Boom Fantasy is the next generation of daily fantasy sports: A real-money, in-game platform that pushes real-time questions to users during live games.
LeagueApps develops intuitive, web-based sports league management software for local recreational sports leagues.
Petal uses machine learning and smart, intuitive design to make credit honest, simple and accessible.
Ruby Money is the first platform designed exclusively to help the business-of-one save money on taxes while building wealth for the future.
Sleeper brings people together over sports, offering fantasy leagues that allow you and your friends to enjoy sports together in a fun and social way that creates lasting memories.
Truepill is changing the way medicine gets delivered through telehealth physician and pharmacy solutions.

Paul Rabil's impact extends far beyond his achievements as an athlete and businessman. He has become a prominent advocate for lacrosse, actively working to popularize the sport and increase its inclusivity.

Additionally, he consistently uses his platform to champion important causes and philanthropic endeavors. Rabil has been involved in charitable organizations like the HEADstrong Foundation, which supports cancer research and provides aid to affected families. By leveraging his influence, Rabil has shown that athletes have the power to make a positive difference in the world.

Paul Rabil's journey from an exceptional lacrosse player to a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals alike. His athletic achievements, business ventures, strategic investments, and unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact have positioned him as a true trailblazer. Through his dedication to the sport and his unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, Rabil has elevated lacrosse to new heights, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to shape the sport for generations to come.

MONEY MOVES

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton have invested in an $85 million Series F round raised by GetYourGuide, an online marketplace for booking travel and tourist experiences. Full story here.
Ryan Reynolds is among the investors that bought 24% of F1’s Alpine at a $900 million valuation. After lifting Welsh soccer club Wrexham to new heights, Ryan Reynolds has his sights set on Formula 1. Full story here.
The Super Bowl champion LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his family officially join an ownership group into angel City FC already boasting stars like Serena Williams, Natalie Portman, and Abby Wambach. Full story here.

IMPACT STANDOUTS

Naomi Osaka (Tennis Player, Japan)

Introducing Play Academy with Naomi Osaka: Empowering Girls Through Play and Sport.

Naomi Osaka, renowned tennis player, recognizes the tremendous empowerment that tennis has brought to her life, and she is passionate about extending the same opportunities to girls worldwide. However, she understands that not all girls have equal access to sports and play, which inspired her to take action.

Deepening her understanding of the barriers faced by girls, Naomi felt a strong determination to make a difference. This led her to collaborate with Nike and Laureus Sport for Good, combining their shared vision to create a transformative initiative known as Play Academy.

The primary goal of Play Academy with Naomi Osaka is to revolutionize the lives of girls through the power of play and sport. The program was initially launched in 2020, establishing partnerships with organizations in Tokyo, a place close to Naomi's heart. Since then, it has expanded its reach to include Los Angeles and Haiti, further embodying Naomi's commitment to making a meaningful impact in these communities.

WTF PRODUCTS

Viola is the largest black-owned cannabis brand producing premium products since 2011. Named in honor of CEO, Al Harrington’s (American former professional basketball player) grandmother who suffered from glaucoma until he convinced her to try cannabis. After seeing the flower’s ability to relieve her pain, Al was inspired to start a company that would bring the same aid to others.

Initially, the company was Viola Extracts, but it has since rebranded as Viola Brands since the company has diversified its product catalog to also include flower and prerolls, in addition to Viola’s concentrates.

The brand has had much success since its inception, including having the backing of investors such as Kevin Durant, John Wall, Bobby Portis, and Demarcus Cousins.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you did, please share with friends who you think will get something out of it.