Andy Murray has entered a long-term partnership with London-based equity crowdfunding platform Seedrs, which will see the tennis star advise on health, sport and wearable tech as well as investing in start-ups.
The Scot has a long-held interest in investment. He owns the
Cromlix luxury hotel in Perthshire, Scotland, and says he is eager to expand his portfolio by investing in startups and other early-stage businesses through Seedrs.
The new tie-up sees Murray join the Seedrs Advisory Board to offer guidance to the firm with respect to businesses working in the health, sport and wearable technology spaces, although he won’t advise individual investors or recommend specific campaigns. He will also help Seedrs to grow its brand in the UK and internationally.
“I’ve always been interested in investment, and being able to get involved in an innovative way to help support British startups really appealed to me,” said Murray.
“Equally as important was working with people I trusted and who fully understood the huge responsibility of handling people’s money. I’m looking forward to working with Seedrs and the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”
Seedrs platform for equity crowdfunding raises capital by obtaining many small investments from a large number of people through online platforms. It says one of the main benefits of this is it allows businesses not only to obtain the capital they need but also to build a community of supportive investors who can help them grow.
Since launching in July 2012, Seedrs has reported 15 per cent month-on-month growth and has funded nearly 200 deals to date. CEO and co-founder Jeff Lynn hopes the new tie-up with a tennis superstar can help the firm broaden its reach, ahead of plans to launch in the US later this year.
“Andy Murray is the perfect partner for Seedrs as we drive our growth to the next level,” said Lynn.
“In many ways, he represents the exact combination of qualities that entrepreneurs need to be successful: determination, focus, integrity and skill. We believe he can bring a different perspective into certain aspects and we look forward to his input and support.”
