How Cody Gakpo is making big strides in the business world
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Image Credits: Imago ImagesCody Gakpo isn’t just making headlines with his performances on the pitch.
The 26-year-old has been quietly building an impressive investment portfolio that spans artificial intelligence, sports technology, and wealth management.
His journey into the business world started during his time at PSV Eindhoven, where conversations with teammates like Mario Götze opened his eyes to the possibilities beyond football.
It was at PSV where Gakpo first encountered the entrepreneurial bug, learning about venture investing from one of Germany’s most successful player-investors.
He established CMG Nexus a venture capital firm in in 2023.
Earlier this year, the Dutchman also invested in ScorePlay, a AI-powered sports content management platform.
His Prosper investment tells a similar story.
Alongside England cricket captain Ben Stokes and other elite athletes, Gakpo backed the AI wealth management platform in January 2025.
The £4 million funding round attracted over 60 professional sportspeople through The Players Fund.
And now taking to LinkedIn, Gakpo explained how he is able to make strides in the business world
“How does a football player get into investing?” the Dutchman wrote.
What started in the U.S.
I liked the idea of establishing a vision for growth or of creating something from scratch, something where you could leave your mark.”
He adds that family members advised him early on to make the most of his financial windfall as a professional footballer to set him up for life, while also referencing Mario Gotze whom he played with at PSV Eindhoven:
“My family always advised me to handle my finances thoroughly and care for myself post-career.
So, quite early, I started considering what to do,” Gakpo continued.
“My first steps in business came through one of my best friends who’s family introduced me to real estate and who are still regularly helping me to explore opportunities in this space.”
“But I also wanted to explore other areas.
During my time at PSV Eindhoven, I often talked to Mario Götze and Robert van der Wallen and his team Wieger Jansen and Robert Specken, who were active in venture investing and ignited a spark in me.
“So, I dug deeper into the space, talked to some experts, and built a small team that advises me in investment decisions?
Since then, I’ve invested in several venture funds and startups and enjoyed meeting inspiring founders.”
“So, while some circumstances and events led me into investing, I’m really happy to have taken these steps – not only from a financial perspective but particularly from an experiential standpoint.”
“And I’m excited to explore even more in the next few years!”
Unlike celebrities who simply write cheques, the Dutch international takes time to understand the companies he backs.
It seems that Gakpo already has his post-playing career already mapped out.
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