Keisuke Honda: Why Japanese Football Star Invests in Startups.
Keisuke Honda is a name that resonates with excellence both on and off the football field.
Athletic Achievements: A true football globetrotter, Keisuke Honda has showcased his talents across nine different countries. Beginning his journey at Nagoya Grampus in Japan, he later graced the fields of Venlo and Vitesse in the Netherlands. A notable chapter unfolded at CSKA Moscow in Russia, where he secured two Championships, two Cups, and one Supercup. Then Honda joined AC Milan in Italy, where he triumphed in the Supercup. His remarkable journey carried him to Pachuca in Mexico, Melbourne Victory in Australia, Botafogo in Brazil, Neftchi in Azerbaijan (where he conquered a Championship), and Suduva in Lithuania.
At the international stage, Honda has proudly represented Japan in three World Cups and emerged victorious in the AFC Asian Cup. Today, he serves as the U23 Team Manager at the Cambodia Football Federation.
Brand Endorsement Deals: Even after concluding his career, Keisuke Honda continues to captivate the attention of esteemed brands such as Mizuno and Pepsi, among others.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: In 2012, Honda embarked on his maiden entrepreneurial journey, giving birth to the SOLTILO FAMILIA football school. Fueled by his unwavering belief in "teaching children worldwide about the significance of nurturing dreams," Honda established multiple schools spanning the globe.
In 2020, Keisuke was poised to launch a digital media venture involving renowned athletes from his homeland. This innovative endeavor - Now Do - utilizes smartphone-based monthly subscriptions to deliver captivating voice recordings from these athletes, providing a unique and immersive experience for the audience.
Investments: During his time at AC Milan in 2016, Keisuke Honda took the bold step of launching the KSK Angel Fund, dedicated to supporting promising startups.
Two years later, in a remarkable collaboration, Honda joined forces with Hollywood actor Will Smith to establish the Dreamers VC.
One notable addition is PROTOCOL, a global platform introduced in 2022, facilitating connections between startups, angel investors, venture capitalists, and influencers on a global scale.
Honda has cultivated a diverse investment portfolio: Sandbox VR (futuristic VR experience), Alchemy (a platform aiding the development of reliable decentralized apps), Public (an innovative investing platform), Manabie (an educational technology startup), WARPSPACE (an inter-satellite communication system), Reiwa Travel (a digital travel agency), Anyplace (a housing platform supporting the work-from-anywhere movement), and ImaliPay (a financial health platform).
Philanthropic Efforts: In recognition of his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, Keisuke Honda proudly serves as a Global Advocate for Youth within the United Nations Foundation.
Keisuke Honda's journey is a testament to his remarkable versatility, resilience, and dedication. From his achievements on the football field to his entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic endeavors, Honda has left an indelible mark on the world. His unwavering commitment to empowering youth, investing in startups, and connecting global communities showcases his visionary mindset and the impact he continues to make beyond the realm of sports. Keisuke Honda's legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, entrepreneurs, and change-makers alike, leaving a lasting impression on the world stage.