NFL running back Saquon Barkley has invested in AI data center startup Crusoe, joining other investors in the company’s $1.4 billion funding round, which values the startup at more than $10 billion, per Business Insider.
According to the outlet, Crusoe, which calls itself “the AI Factory Company,” develops clean-energy-powered data centers for artificial intelligence. The company integrates energy sourcing, AI-optimized construction, and proprietary cloud services. Its Crusoe Cloud platform is used by AI startups, including Together AI and Fireworks, to provide computational resources for AI model training and data processing.
Investors in the funding round also include Nvidia, Valor Equity Partners, Mubadala Capital, and Founders Fund. Details about Barkley’s individual investment were not disclosed, per Business Insider. The funds will support the expansion of Crusoe’s renewable-energy-powered data centers for large-scale AI operations.
Barkley, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, has previously invested in high-growth technology companies, including AI startup Anthropic (valued at $183 billion), Anduril ($30.5 billion), Ramp ($22.5 billion), Cognition ($9.8 billion), Neuralink ($9 billion), Strike (approximately $1 billion), and Polymarket (approximately $1 billion), according to The Profile.
He also holds stake in venture funds, including Founders Fund, Thrive Capital, Silver Point Capital, and Multicoin Capital. Reports indicate Barkley invests primarily from his football earnings and endorsement income, typically in amounts between $250,000 and $500,000, and he interviews startup founders before committing, per The Profile. Unlike other athletes who may make high-profile business moves, Barkley focuses on selective investments in companies he considers positioned for long-term growth.
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, one of the companies Barkley has invested in, Ramp, is a financial operations platform that provides smart accounts payable management with corporate cards, procurement, and automated bookkeeping. Ramp’s customers have reportedly saved billions using the platform.
According to Business Insider, Barkley first became interested in startup investing after reading Peter Thiel’s book “Zero to One.” In addition to providing capital, he has participated in business and marketing activities for some portfolio companies, including networking, promotional campaigns, and partnership development.
