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Sponsoring the non-athlete
Matt Ober
July 18, 2023
When are the non-athletes going to get corporate sponsorships?
I always joked with friends in the hedge fund space that I thought Nike and other brands like Lululemon, Alo, etc. should sponsor the data scientists. I wanted to be the first Data Scientist at a hedge fund sponsored head-to-toe by brands I loved. I think this is a big future opportunity for brands- Corporate Sponsorships for the office professional i.e. the office influencer.
Think about the opportunity. Take the Data Science team at a hedge fund as an example. These guys aren’t wearing suits and slacks. They are dressing comfortably, but have to look good in case there are guests or LPs in the building. Corporate sponsors find that influencer or manager, deck them out head to toe daily in the latest athleisure suitable for the office, and watch as friends, coworkers, office building workers, and other companies in the building see the latest fashion. Maybe give them a promo code to share. Either way, this is a great way to expand the sponsored “athlete program.” I have always been a Nike Air Max 1 guy for sneakers, especially the Patta collabs, and quickly found others in the office asking where I got my shoes.
As I have moved to San Diego, I am starting to see new brands, no longer going into an office daily, and doing a lot more workouts outside. I can’t sit at home all day in my Jambys (disclosure: I am a personal investor), though I do still wear them after hours. I recently met the founders of ASRV and was blown away by the quality and how great the clothes fit. Easily becoming my favorite workout clothes. I have also been a Vuori fan since before I moved out west and continue to like their clothes as well, but for workouts, ASRV may be the new winner. I also came across the sunglasses Goodr, initially to use for running, but they fit so well and are stylish. These are becoming my sunglasses for every day as my kids love to rip my glasses off at every opportunity. You also can’t beat the price.
The opportunity for brands to sponsor the non-athletes, the non-social media influencers, and focus on the office-influencer, the corporate traveler…..is real. Looking forward to the day when I meet the corporate-sponsored everyday office worker.
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