Manu Ginóbili and business: how he defines his investments and which companies he prefers

In an almost idyllic relationship with technology, four-time NBA champion Emanuel “Manu” Ginóbili continues to advance in the business world through investments in startups.

To recent forays into companies such as Ualá, Nuqlea and Waterplan, among others, now former basketball player joined Kavak as a shareholder, the Mexican startup, present in other Latin American countries, dedicated to trade of used cars.

In this case, it is an alliance with the company. “At first, when I saw that it was a problem with the car, I didn’t think about it, but later I have consulted with my advisorsthat means, my friends who are into the tech question and with other people who are in business and they all suggested to me: ‘Listen to them’ ”, says Manu.

He was particularly seduced by that “transform the consumer experience into something simple”, He describes of his new bet. In other words, Kavak is managing to solve a problem that plagues many people when buying or selling a used car, in terms of mechanical safety, documentation and financing guarantees, ”he says.

On this definition, Jaime Macaya, CEO of Kavak in Argentina, reiterates: “These are the three pillars of our business: resolve the mechanical part, documentation and access to financing “he says of the platform he also has six physical positions in the country.

As to why, after leaving his career in 2018, he turned to finance, Ginobili replies: “More than finance, towards technology. I’ve always been a consumer of it. Since I went to live in Reggio Calabria and connected with my girlfriend via ICQ, ”he recalls, referring to the messaging application that allowed him to chat remotely.

“Technology has been essential in my career and today it offers multiple tools.” And, on the other hand, there is the question of personal care, not only on a sporting level. Today’s CEOs are also athletes and companies are starting to share knowledge gained in that world. In what it implies, for example, sleep, rest and eat well ”, explains the athlete from Bahia.

That is why now, if the business presented to him “inspires” him, if he sees that there is potential, he embarks on it, he confesses. Also, “In Latin America there is a superlative talent”, consider.

About the contribution that Kavak receives with a partner like Ginobili, Macaya says: “We believe that Manu represents the values ​​and culture we live and promote within the company: we train every day to be the best”, said the manager.

This association with a sports figure is the first to be announced in Argentina and adds to the recent agreements that Kavak has made with other sports figures in Mexico, such as Formula 1 driver “Checo” Pérez, the captain of the Mexican national football team. , “Memo” Ochoa and striker of the Mexican women’s soccer team “Kitty” Martínez.

Kavak has been in Argentina for two years and since then, according to Macaya, it has grown 15 times (in inventory, infrastructure, etc.).

Your business is to offer online (and also in person at your location) used cars or cars that are less than ten years old or up to 100,000 kilometers. The company has 1,000 people working locally and a global valuation of $ 8.7 billion after attracting over $ 700 million from investors in September 2021.

Negotiations to add Ginobili to the team began about 10 months ago and have finally just closed the deal. However, the data of what are the agreed percentages are reserved.

In addition, it differs from other deals undertaken by the Spurs leader, such as when he invested Newtopiaa fund that bets on Latin American startups led, among others, by Patricio Jutard and Mariano Mayer, the former secretary for entrepreneurs and SMEs in the management of Mauricio Macri.

As for the possibility of venturing into the Metaverse and the crypto world, Ginobili humbly says: “II’m trying to participate more, but I put my big toe in the water, I listen, I read a lot “, describes, to graphically represent that the topic interests you, but that you will be careful.