Canadian rapper Drake has recently expanded his investment portfolio by joining global sports-focused firm APEX Capital as an investor for Serie A club Venezia. This partnership comes after APEX acquired a minority stake in the north Italian team in July, following their promotion to Serie A. The announcement of Drake’s involvement was made on Instagram by APEX, stating that the global icon would be funding the club ahead of its upcoming season in Serie A. Additionally, Drake’s Nike sub-brand, NOCTA, will serve as the official kit sponsor for Venezia FC, representing a significant step towards the fusion of culture and sports.
Drake’s clothing brand NOCTA, created in collaboration with Nike, will play a pivotal role in the partnership with Venezia FC. The management team spokesman, Matte Babel, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the shared values of sport and culture between the brand and the football club. By aligning with Venezia FC, Drake’s NOCTA brand aims to celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture of Venice, creating a unique intersection between fashion and sports.
Venezia FC’s Brand Evolution
Venezia FC’s agreement with Drake and NOCTA marks a significant shift in the club’s branding strategy. Previously sponsored by Italian sports brand Kappa, Venezia made the decision to switch to Nike in order to have more creative control over their kits. This switch allowed the club to collaborate with creative agencies like Bureau Borsche for innovative jersey designs. According to Fabrizia Monteleone, the brand manager of Venezia FC, one of the club’s main objectives is to leverage the global appeal of football to showcase the cultural significance of Venice on an international stage. The partnership with NOCTA further reinforces this mission, highlighting the club’s commitment to celebrating the city’s heritage.
APEX Capital, the sports investment company behind Drake’s partnership with Venezia FC, has a diverse investment portfolio that includes sports, media, and entertainment ventures. In addition to their involvement with Venezia, APEX holds stakes in other prominent sports entities such as the Alpine F1 team and Bay Golf Club. By aligning themselves with high-profile investors like Drake, APEX continues to position itself as a key player in the sports investment market, driving innovation and growth in the industry.
Drake’s collaboration with Serie A club Venezia through APEX Capital represents a strategic alliance between sports, culture, and business. As the worlds of music, fashion, and football converge, the partnership between Drake’s NOCTA brand and Venezia FC paves the way for new opportunities in the realm of sports branding and marketing. With APEX Capital’s expertise in sports investments backing the venture, the future looks bright for Venezia FC as they embark on their Serie A journey with a global icon by their side.
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