Shaquille O’Neal, the retired NBA player and entrepreneur, has made a significant investment in the online community college initiative Campus, inspired by the wisdom of Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. According to a report by CNBC, O’Neal’s investment is driven by his belief in Campus’s potential to transform the educational landscape and make higher education more accessible and affordable for students from different socio-economic backgrounds.
Campus has received substantial backing of over $29 million from investors, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Discord’s Jason Citron. The startup aims to democratize higher education by offering a quality education online, with a faculty roster from esteemed universities such as Princeton and Vanderbilt.
O’Neal’s decision to invest in Campus aligns with his personal values of providing access to world-class education for all. He was inspired by Jeff Bezos’ investment philosophy, which emphasizes investing in things that can change people’s lives. O’Neal stated, “But this particular investment is not about great return because I feel that everyone should have access to world-class education.”
This is not the first time O’Neal has demonstrated his investment acumen. With a net worth surpassing $400 million, he has a diverse investment portfolio that includes stakes in Google, Lyft, Ring, and Vitaminwater, as well as franchise ownerships in Papa John’s and Five Guys.
In a 2019 interview with The Wall Street Journal, O’Neal explained his investment strategy, saying, “If something comes across my desk and I don’t believe in it, I don’t even look at it.” This strategy, inspired by Bezos, has not only aligned with his personal values but has also proven to be financially rewarding. O’Neal mentioned that he quadrupled his net worth by following this investment ethos.
O’Neal’s investment in Campus highlights the importance of investing in initiatives that have the potential to make a positive impact on people’s lives. By supporting educational platforms like Campus, O’Neal is contributing to the democratization of higher education and providing opportunities for students who may not have had access otherwise.
Overall, O’Neal’s investment in Campus reflects his commitment to social impact and his belief in the transformative power of education. Inspired by Jeff Bezos’ investment philosophy, O’Neal continues to make strategic investments that align with his personal values and have the potential for both financial success and positive change.
