David Beckham’s investments: from eSports to cannabis

The name of David Beckham is known throughout the world as that of a soccer star, occasional model, husband of the former Spice Girl and designer Victoria Beckham, and father of a family in which all its members are reaching their own quotas of fame. But there is a more private part, hidden under his initials, which also says a lot about who he is.

Under the name DB Ventures is Beckham’s investment firm, based in London and owned by him. With it, he has given way to his business ambitions and is diversifying his portfolio. These days it has been known that one of his latest investments has been in the world of cannabis. Specifically, DB Ventures has participated in the British company Cellullar Goods. The fund has bought a minority stake in the company, which is developing the use of cannabis in skincare products and for the physical recovery of athletes.

Beckham’s interest is in CBD for now

Specifically, this company makes use of cannabidiol, also known as CBD, the main component of the cannabis plant but which is not psychoactive. This component is becoming more and more frequent in oils, cosmetics, and even in food since it has numerous therapeutic properties that are increasingly being applied in day-to-day products. In the case of Cellular Goods, the company creates CBD synthetically. It does not obtain it from the plant itself—which helps make it more sustainable—does not use pesticides, and is not related to THC, the component of cannabis that creates the feeling of being high.

The imminent IPO of the Beckham backed venture is expected to provide the company with more than 20 million pounds (about 22.7 million euros). It will be the first company of its kind to be listed on the London stock market since the British financial authority allowed companies that worked with CBD to be listed as long as their products had medical applications.

Although the DB Ventures spokesperson did not want to comment on Beckham’s acquisition, Alexis Abraham, the president of Cellular Goods did. He told SkyNews that they are excited to be the first company in this sector to go public in a moment in which it is in full growth.

Beckham is keen on investing in long-term trends

Beckham has always known where to put his money and is often one step ahead of the market when it comes to his investments. Thus, last July he went from real to virtual playing fields by founding his own eSports company, called Guild. Based in London, it invested more than 27 million euros in it and expects it to exceed 110. The virtual team will participate in video games of FIFA, Fortnite, and Rocket League. The player then stated: “Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside some of the best players and I have been able to see the passion and dedication that it takes to perform at that level. I know that determination runs through eSports athletes, and we at Guild have the vision to create a new standard by supporting those players in the future.”

The footballer made that investment also through DB Ventures and will license a platform developed in conjunction with other eSports startups like FORMATION.GG as the center of its online presence. The fund is one of the companies that are part of the larger Beckham Brand Holdings, controlled 100% by both him and Victoria. They achieved that control in 2019, after spending 50 million dollars (more than 44 million euros) last year to buy the remaining 33% from Simon Fuller, partner of the ex-footballer and creator of the Spice Girls.

“For me, the key to any collaboration or sponsorship is authenticity. Also, stability, because all my collaborations are long-term. I’m not interested in getting into projects and getting out of them quickly,” said Beckham. In fact, in a previous interview with the financial newspaper Financial Times, Beckham also stated that his decision to retire was because he wanted to start“ owning and building businesses.”

The football star is a savvy businessman: what his interest means for CBD

These have been some of the most recent movements of the Beckham emporium, which has also decided to invest in the real estate sector. In addition, the former footballer has juicy contracts with brands of drinks, watches, cosmetics, and, of course, sports. To round off his merits, just a year ago Beckham fulfilled the dream of his youth and managed to acquire his own soccer team, Inter Miami, which is part of Major League Soccer. 

What this all spells for CBD is confirmation that it is more than just a flash-in-the-pan fad that will be here today and gone tomorrow. Beckham’s interests are firmly planted in long-term and sustainable businesses situated in key growth sectors. Thus, his interest in CBD can only be taken as a sign that CBD sits well with his investment philosophy, with many great years to come.

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(Featured image by Paulblank via Wikimedia Commons)

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First published in La Marihuana, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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