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Mario Götze: From World Cup Glory to Venture Capital Vanguard

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 7, 2026

Legend On The Field And In The Boardroom

Mario Götze, celebrated for scoring the decisive goal that crowned Germany as the 2014 FIFA World Cup champions, is now carving out a formidable reputation as an angel investor. Through his personal investment vehicle, Companion M, Götze has built a diverse portfolio exceeding 70 companies, including standout unicorns such as Danish fintech Flatpay and German AI startup Parloa.

Strategic Investment And Sector Focus

Götze’s investment strategy is characterized by rigorous due diligence. With typical investment rounds occurring at the pre-seed and seed stages, and ticket sizes ranging between €25,000 and €50,000 ($29,000-$58,000), he emphasizes only backing startups where both the venture and its founders meet exacting criteria. Companion M concentrates its efforts on sectors where it possesses deep networks and expertise, notably B2B SaaS, software infrastructure, cybersecurity, health, and biotech. This focus, while not directly related to sports technology, aligns well with Götze’s enduring interest in human performance and wellness.

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Breaking New Ground Amid Conventional Boundaries

In 2020, Götze sparked conversation with his investment in Sanity Group, a German cannabis startup, at a time when European institutions were largely wary. As Germany relaxes certain cannabis regulations, Sanity Group has emerged as a key player in the medical cannabis market, now holding a significant 10% share. Despite cannabis being prohibited for athletes in competition, the move underscores Götze’s readiness to embrace unconventional opportunities—a trait reminiscent of other athlete-investors like NBA champion Kevin Durant.

Balancing Careers And Building A Brand

While his contemporaries on the field, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé, also venture into startup investing, Götze remains acutely aware of the need to balance his athletic commitments and personal life. Regularly scheduling investment calls around training sessions and match days, he leans on a dedicated team at Companion M to manage angel investing, partnerships, and brand development, a strategy intended to solidify his post-soccer career.

Expanding Influence Across Continents

Götze’s investment portfolio spans both Europe and the United States, with notable ventures including Miami-based Arcee AI and Frankfurt-based Qualifyze. Successful exits, like that of Berlin’s KoRo, have furnished additional capital for reinvestment. Moreover, Companion M’s role as a limited partner in backing over 20 venture capital firms—including Cherry Ventures, EQT Ventures, and 20VC—illustrates a commitment to long-term wealth consolidation and strategic networking.

A Vision Beyond The Game

Still under contract with German club Eintracht Frankfurt and actively negotiating his future on the pitch, Götze has made it clear that his investment pursuits will intensify post-retirement. In his own words, focusing on investments represents “another passion apart from sport.” With a background enriched by academic influence—his father, a professor at TU Dortmund University, instilled in him the value of intellectual curiosity—Götze is well-positioned to transition seamlessly from the world of professional sports to that of strategic venture investing.

Conclusion

Mario Götze’s journey from football legend to pioneering investor exemplifies a rare blend of athletic excellence and business acumen. His disciplined approach to evaluating opportunities and diversifying across industries serves as a blueprint for both seasoned and aspiring investors. As the boundaries between sports and business continue to blur, Götze’s evolving career offers a compelling narrative of innovation, strategic foresight, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—on and off the field.

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Cyprus Introduces 8% Crypto Tax As European Rules Diverge

Fragmented Crypto Tax Rules Across Europe

Although the European Union has introduced a common regulatory framework for digital assets through the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), taxation remains under the jurisdiction of individual member states. As a result, crypto investors face a wide range of tax regimes across Europe.

Cyprus Introduces Dedicated Crypto Tax Framework

Beginning January 1, 2026, Cyprus will implement a dedicated taxation regime for digital assets. The new framework imposes an 8% flat tax on net gains from cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, making it one of the lowest rates within the European Union. Taxable events will include the sale, exchange, or use of cryptocurrencies for payments and donations. Losses will only be offset against gains generated from crypto transactions within the same tax year, with no provision allowing losses to be carried forward.

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Diverging Approaches Across Europe

Several European countries have adopted markedly different policies. Greece is preparing legislation that would introduce a 15% capital gains tax on cryptocurrency profits, with the first €500 of gains exempt from taxation. Germany classifies cryptocurrencies as private assets. Gains are generally exempt from tax if the assets have been held for more than one year, distinguishing the country from many other European jurisdictions.

Other Key Jurisdictions

Portugal continues to offer favorable conditions for long-term investors, with private individuals generally exempt from taxation if digital assets are held for more than 12 months. Switzerland treats cryptocurrencies as part of personal wealth, subject to annual cantonal wealth taxes, while capital gains realized by individual investors are typically exempt. France applies a flat tax of 31.4% on cryptocurrency gains, combining income tax and social contributions. Italy recently increased the tax rate on crypto gains for individuals to 33%, up from 26%, while Spain applies progressive rates ranging from 19% to 30%, depending on the amount of profit realized.

The Netherlands And The Baltic States

The Netherlands uses a different model, taxing presumed returns on assets regardless of whether they have actually been sold. Tax treatment in the Baltic region varies. Lithuania generally imposes a 15% rate, rising to 20% for very high non-salary income. Latvia applies a 25.5% capital gains tax, while Estonia taxes cryptocurrency gains at the standard personal income tax rate of 22%, without exemptions for long-term holdings.

A Diverse Tax Landscape

Approaches to cryptocurrency taxation continue to differ significantly across Europe. Cyprus’ upcoming framework places the country among jurisdictions offering relatively low rates and dedicated rules for digital assets, while investors operating across borders continue to navigate a patchwork of national tax regimes.