Mario Götze's unforgettable goal in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final made Germany champions and cemented his place in soccer history. Now, the 33-year-old athlete is scoring impressive wins in an entirely different arena—startup investing—and his journey offers an inspiring example of how athletes can leverage their success to create lasting impact.

Through his investment vehicle Companion M, Götze has built an impressive portfolio of more than 70 companies. His thoughtful approach is already yielding remarkable results, with two portfolio companies—Danish fintech Flatpay and German AI startup Parloa—achieving unicorn status in 2025. It's a testament to Götze's discerning eye for promising ventures and his commitment to supporting innovative entrepreneurs.

Unlike some celebrity investors who merely lend their names, Götze takes a hands-on approach with genuine passion. "I only agree to invest if the startup and its founders check all the boxes," he explained. His investment focus areas—B2B SaaS, software infrastructure, cybersecurity, health, and biotech—reflect strategic thinking rather than chasing trends.

The health and biotech focus feels particularly authentic for an elite athlete deeply invested in human performance and wellness. In 2020, Götze demonstrated courage and conviction by investing in German cannabis startup Sanity Group when most European institutional investors hesitated. His forward-thinking bet has paid off beautifully, with the company now claiming a 10% share of Germany's medical cannabis market following the country's progressive regulatory reforms.

What makes Götze's story especially inspiring is how he's balancing multiple demanding roles. Still playing at the top level with Eintracht Frankfurt, he's also a devoted father to two young daughters. "I have to schedule calls before or after practices and align meetings with weeks when I don't have away games or play Champions League," he shared, demonstrating remarkable time management and dedication.

Götze isn't going it alone. He's built a small, capable team at Companion M to support his investing activities, partnerships, and brand development. This thoughtful structure allows him to stay actively involved while maintaining his professional soccer career. His success has caught attention beyond startups—when Revolut named him their first German brand ambassador, they specifically cited his angel investing track record as a key factor.

The athletic champion's investment philosophy reflects the wisdom gained on the field. Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, he maintains a forward-looking perspective. "There are plenty of new startups every year, and there will be some that you miss out on. But regretting past decisions leads to making uneducated or impulsive decisions in the future," Götze wisely noted.

His background provides fascinating context for his tech-world success. While Mario and his brothers pursued professional soccer, their father Jürgen is a professor of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and the family spent formative time in Houston when his father was a postdoctoral researcher at Rice University.

As a limited partner in over 20 venture capital firms including Cherry Ventures, EQT Ventures, and World Fund, Götze is positioning himself for continued impact long after his playing days end. He's already achieved successful exits, including Berlin-based KoRo, generating capital to support even more innovative entrepreneurs.

Mario Götze's journey shows that with passion, discipline, and strategic thinking, it's possible to excel in multiple fields simultaneously while preparing for a meaningful future helping others succeed.