Benevolent Capital Propels Phoenix Rising FC to New Heights
Benevolent Capital, a private equity firm focused on sports team investments, is pleased to announce the signing of standout defender Laurence Wyke to Phoenix Rising Football Club. Wyke joins Rising FC from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.
Brett Johnson, founder and shareholder of Benevolent Capital, believes Wyke is poised to make an immediate impact. “Laurence is a player we have had our eye on for some time. His experience, skill, leadership, and character will strengthen our back line immensely. We expect great things from him this season and beyond.”
Benevolent Capital is Rising FC’s primary investor, sponsor, and managing partner. The firm sees tremendous opportunity in professional soccer, especially in the Western United States. “The sport’s popularity is surging nationwide, with avid fan bases sprouting up everywhere. We want to be at the forefront of that growth, and there’s no better place to start than right here in Arizona,” said Brett Johnson.
Wyke, 27, joined the Youth Academy of Manchester United as a seven-year-old in 2004. After a decade developing in Man U’s prestigious system, Wyke chose to continue his education in the U.S., eventually landing at Trinity University. His experience and talent caught the eye of Rising FC scouts, who see a bright future for the defender.
“I’m thrilled to join such an ambitious club. Phoenix Rising has a real vision for success, and I’m excited to help achieve it. The fans here are incredible, and the facilities are first-class. I can’t wait to get started,” Wyke said.
Wyke and the rest of the Rising FC squad played their preseason game on Saturday, January 27th 2024 against Portland Timber. The club has high hopes for the upcoming season, with sights set on capturing a league title. With Laurence Wyke now in the fold and Benevolent Capital’s backing, those championship aspirations appear well within reach.
About Benevolent Capital
Benevolent Capital believes in the social and economic impact inherent in professional sports investments, coupled with the exceptional un-correlated equity appreciation that ownership of the right sports teams, in the right leagues and geographies will provide.
Benevolent Capital
At Benevolent Capital we have carved a niche for our investors by seamlessly blending traditional family values with cutting-edge investment strategies. Our approach is characterized by a thoughtful fusion of innovation and prudence, ensuring that every investment aligns with the long-term vision and legacy goals of our clients.
As principals we co-invest our own money in every deal we participate in, we do not charge our investors management fees, investors receive a 100% preferred gross return on their investment. After the 100% return (a 2X) the investor will receive a 70% net return with a 30% promote to the GP. This arrangement makes Benevolent Capital a trusted partner in safeguarding and growing wealth for our investors.
Benevolent Capital includes a world-class group of partners, associates and investors, and our portfolio now spans catalytic investments in venture capital, private equity, real estate development and a diverse collection of global professional soccer franchises. Our wide range of experience from managing successful companies, to completing management buyouts, acquisitions, and a wide variety of debt and equity investments totaling over $4 billion enables us to truly partner with the entrepreneurs and management teams of our portfolio companies and provide hands-on support and guidance towards realizing their full potential. Benevolent Capital has a proven track record of successful investments. Notably, our $200k investment in seed capital for Enzymatics, a biotech firm later ultimately acquired by Invitae (NASDAQ: NVTA), has yielded over $30MM in total returns for Benevolent Capital’s investors.
What sets us apart is not just our financial acumen but also our dedication to fostering meaningful relationships. Going beyond conventional investment practices, we prioritize open communication and transparency that allows us to build trust with our stakeholders, as principals we co-invest our own money in every deal we participate in making Benevolent Capital a trusted partner in safeguarding and growing wealth for our investors.
In an ever-evolving financial landscape, our expertise, coupled with Benevolent Capital’s commitment to hybrid family office investments, paints a picture of success, where financial prosperity meets enduring values.
About the Author
Brett M. Johnson, founder and CEO of Benevolent Capital, founder and partner of Fortuitous Partners, and co-founder and chairman of Rhode Island FC. He has a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a Masters of Business Administration from the Presidential/Key Executive program at Pepperdine University. Brett is also a graduate from the Harvard Business School’s President’s Leadership Program in 2014. An active member of the Young Presidents Organization.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or wealth manager before making any investment decisions.