Shaquille O'Neal's Net Worth Growth: Inspired by Jeff Bezos.
NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal reveals that his net worth significantly increased after he adopted investment strategies inspired by Jeff Bezos.
The four-time NBA champion emphasizes that he doesn't just invest for profit; he seeks opportunities that resonate with his values.
O'Neal attributes his financial growth to Bezos's philosophy of investing in ventures that have the potential to positively impact people's lives.
Jeff Bezos and Shaquille O'Neal
In a 2019 interview with The Wall Street Journal, O'Neal shared, "I once heard Jeff Bezos mention that he chooses his investments based on their ability to change lives. After I embraced that approach, I believe I multiplied my worth by four."
For O'Neal, this mindset is about more than just funding promising startups; if he doesn't personally connect with a business, he won't get involved, regardless of its financial prospects. "For me, business isn't just about making money," he stated.
The Importance of Aligning Investments with Personal Values
O'Neal's investment strategy has resulted in some remarkable successes. He was an early backer of Google and has since created a varied investment portfolio that includes shares in Apple, car washes, and nightclubs in Las Vegas.
However, his investment in the home security company Ring stands out as one of his most significant achievements. He stumbled upon the company while searching for an affordable security option for his home.
After testing the product, he was so impressed that he chose to invest rather than just purchase it. This decision proved wise when Amazon bought Ring for $1 billion in 2018.
Related: Jeff Bezos Reveals His Biggest Fears: This Might Surprise You
Not every investment has been a win for him. At one time, O'Neal owned 17 Auntie Anne's pretzel franchises, but he eventually sold them after realizing they didn't resonate with his personal values.
"I had to reflect: Do I truly believe in this? The answer was no, so I moved on," he shared. In contrast, Krispy Kreme remains a cherished investment for him, largely because he has loved the brand since his college days. "Krispy Kreme is an amazing donut. I discovered it in college and have been a fan ever since," he told The Journal.
O'Neal’s Successful Investments: Google, Apple, and Ring
O'Neal's investment history isn't without its flaws.
One of his most significant missed chances was with Starbucks. "When Howard Schultz approached me for a partnership, I looked at the proposal and thought, ‘Black people don't drink coffee,'" O'Neal confessed.
"I was mistaken." This oversight cost him millions and serves as a reminder that even the most astute investors can misjudge market trends.
Learning from Mistakes: O'Neal’s Missed Starbucks Opportunity
Top investors focus on more than just making money—they seek meaningful impact. O'Neal's achievements demonstrate that grasping the reason behind an investment is as crucial as knowing the financial returns.
Profits tend to follow those who create real change, and the most successful businesses are the ones that address genuine challenges rather than merely boosting their profits.
Shaquille O'Neal didn't create a $500 million empire by jumping on every flashy opportunity that appeared.
He supported ventures that aligned with his values, turned away from those that didn't resonate, and openly acknowledged his missteps. His journey is not solely about accumulating wealth—it's about being purposeful in his choices.
Related: Inside Oscar De La Hoya's Net Worth
