NFL luminary Saquon Barkley has once again demonstrated his evolving acumen as a multifaceted investor by expanding his rapidly growing portfolio in the technology sector. His latest move involves joining an increasingly distinguished network of financial backers in support of Crusoe, a pioneering AI data center enterprise that has swiftly garnered recognition within the infrastructure and energy-efficiency sphere of artificial intelligence. This new addition to Barkley’s array of tech-focused ventures further solidifies his identity not only as a professional athlete but also as an astute participant in the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and high-level investment strategy.
Crusoe, which presents itself to the world as “the AI Factory Company,” currently enjoys a valuation exceeding ten billion dollars after successfully closing a new funding round valued at approximately 1.4 billion dollars. The company has carved out a prominent position in the competitive realm of AI infrastructure by uniting three crucial dimensions: the strategic sourcing of energy, the design and construction of data centers optimized specifically for intensive AI workloads, and the development of its own proprietary cloud platform. Through this carefully integrated approach, Crusoe has emerged as a leader in the effort to align computing power with environmental responsibility, offering a model that both accelerates innovation and minimizes energy waste.
The most recent financing round, revealed publicly on Friday, includes a substantial roster of high-profile investors and institutional participants. Among them are names such as Valor Equity Partners, Mubadala Capital, and Nvidia—each recognized for their influence in funding cutting-edge advances in technology and infrastructure. As the lengthy list of contributors was reviewed, one particularly unexpected name stood out: Saquon Barkley. The Philadelphia Eagles running back’s involvement initially seemed surprising to many observers, yet upon closer inspection, his participation fits neatly within an established pattern of forward-thinking investment decisions.
Over the past several years, Barkley has demonstrated an increasing fascination with technology, artificial intelligence, and venture-backed innovation. A recent report by The Profile outlined his growing portfolio, which already includes stakes in AI startup Anthropic, Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company Neuralink, the decentralized prediction market Polymarket, and Peter Thiel’s influential Founders Fund. These strategic commitments highlight Barkley’s disciplined approach to diversifying his assets and aligning himself with major drivers of the next technological wave.
In interviews, the NFL star has articulated a clear philosophy regarding personal finances and wealth accumulation. He has explained that he primarily relies on income from brand endorsements while channeling the majority of his direct football earnings into long-term investments, a strategy designed to create sustainable prosperity beyond his athletic career. Barkley’s entry into the startup ecosystem was inspired by Peter Thiel’s influential book “Zero to One,” which explores the mindset required for disruptive innovation and original thinking. Following that inspiration, Barkley has taken a notably hands-on approach to his investment practice—personally meeting and interviewing startup founders before deciding to support them, thereby ensuring that his financial commitments are guided by genuine conviction rather than passing trends.
Crusoe’s stated mission, encapsulated in the phrase “activating energy for intelligence,” aligns seamlessly with Barkley’s interest in financial ventures that merge innovation with societal and environmental impact. The company operates vast, technologically sophisticated data centers powered by clean and renewable energy sources. These facilities are engineered to alleviate computational bottlenecks that often limit the pace of AI research and development. By designing infrastructure that is both powerful and sustainable, Crusoe is effectively accelerating the creation and scalability of AI-driven applications. Its Crusoe Cloud service has already become integral to the operations of several leading AI startups, including prominent names like Together AI and Fireworks, further underscoring the centrality of its platform within the modern AI ecosystem.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Crusoe declined to specify the exact circumstances under which Barkley became involved as an investor, though it is worth noting that Founders Fund—one of his existing investment connections—played an active role in this latest round of financing. This detail subtly reinforces the intricate network through which elite investors and entrepreneurial visionaries often intersect, bridging worlds as seemingly distant as professional athletics and advanced artificial intelligence development.
For those tracking the evolution of athlete-led innovation and financial literacy, Barkley’s expanding portfolio serves as a remarkable case study in proactive wealth strategy. By channeling his resources and curiosity into forward-looking ventures such as Crusoe, he exemplifies how today’s sports figures are redefining what it means to build influence—one that transcends their athletic legacy to shape the technologies powering the future of intelligence and sustainable computing.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/saquon-barkley-nvidia-ai-startup-crusoe-2025-10
