Renowned Canadian artist Drake has officially joined global investment firm APEX and is now an investor in newly-promoted Serie A side Venezia.
Recent reports detailed how Drake played a major role in helping the club raise around €40m to keep the club afloat earlier in the year.
APEX is an investment firm founded in 2021, who specialise in sports, media and entertainment. They also have stakes in the Alpine F1 team and the Bay Golf Club.
Their involvement with Venezia signifies a first endeavour into the world of European football for Drake, who is also an ambassador for his beloved NBA franchise the Toronto Raptors.
APEX confirm Drake is new Venezia investor
“APEX, a leading global investment firm renowned for its diverse portfolio in sports and entertainment, has been joined by global music icon Drake in the group of new investors in Venezia FC,” the firm confirmed in an official press release.
“This exciting development comes as part of a broader strategic partnership with several investors joining forces at the Italian Serie A club.
“Drake’s decision to invest in Venezia FC marks his first significant foray into European football, highlighting his deepening interest in the sport. This move is set to bring a fresh wave of enthusiasm and international recognition to the club, which has been steadily rising in prominence both on and off the pitch.”
Venezia spent the 2021-22 season in Serie A, their first in exactly 20 years. They were ultimately relegated in 20th place by the end of that campaign, though, and had incurred hefty debts in the process.
After a two-year stay in Serie B, Venezia eventually won promotion back to the top flight through the play-offs at the beginning of June.