Danny Cortenraede, serial entrepreneur and investor used pure drive and determination to start his company InStudio Ventures, where he not only created a platform that helps realize his own personal ventures, but also helps generate the growth, expansion, access, and opportunities for startups in media, tech, and sports companies worldwide.
Danny utilized his entrepreneurial savvy in a unique way to create multi-million dollar partnerships with global companies, and it really boiled down to quite a simple formula. Positive mindset. Here’s what Danny had to say about his motivation and the type of impact InStudio Ventures is making today.
“I want to make a significant impact with our venture studio. Our goal is to create solutions that will add immense value to the industry that changes lives and help achieve people’s dreams – athletes, entrepreneurs, kids.”
– Danny Cortenraede
We like to highlight innovators with an underdog “I can do it” mentality. What drives you to hustle to be the best? How are you innovating your space?
I am a very positive person, and I firmly believe everything is possible. It all starts with your mindset. Do you have a growth mindset? What do you do when you fail? For me, it gives me even more power. I want to succeed no matter what it takes. I can’t give up; it is not an option – I will work towards my bigger goal.
But it doesn’t end with your mindset; you need to take action and keep on taking action. I am almost obsessed with the want to succeed. I want to be the best and work towards this goal.
Working on multiple pillars in life; growing emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically, financially, and intellectually. This is what success is for me – building successful companies and being a great dad and husband.
With our venture studio, we are building and investing in the future of sports, media, and the tech industry. We develop the most innovative solutions and work closely with the world’s biggest brands, including Nike, Adidas, Google, Facebook, and more.
What are some of the most significant projects you’ve worked on that you’d like to highlight?
I’ve built several successful ventures in the last few years. I am proud of my most recent work with Wannahaves and 433. 433 is the biggest soccer community globally with 55M followers and 5B views per month.
We work closely with the most prominent athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo,
Messi and many others. I was integral in building Wannahaves from scratch, starting in Amsterdam and opening two offices in the states: NYC and LA (where I am living).
How are you making 2021 your year? What partnerships, news, or highlights can we share with our readers?
In 2021, I will focus on my venture studio: InStudio Ventures. We started this year very strong with incredible new partnerships. We closed a deal with S4 Capital/ MediaMonks – a digital advertising and marketing services company established by industry giant Sir Martin Sorrell- to build their Sports and Media category. S⁴Capital works with tech giants including Google, Apple, Facebook, Netflix, and German carmaker BMW.
The company is known for developing creative content campaigns for brands and employing a purely digital advertising and marketing strategy to attract consumers faster, better, and cheaper.
We also launched a real estate fund together with FC Barcelona player Martin Braithwaite, and we will announce the launch of another fund very soon.
Where do you like to go for inspiration? Books, podcasts, music, places?
I am always looking for inspiration—books, podcasts, places, and just talking with inspiring people. I am currently reading ‘Your Next Fives Moves’ by Patrick Bet-David.
I listen to a lot of podcasts about investing, real estate, and successful business people. It inspires me, and I can learn from people who have been there.
Besides this, I love to travel and explore. I visit many countries and places around the world, and it gives me a lot of energy to see new places and learn about other cultures and people.
We believe the best entrepreneurs are worldly. Can you share any of your hobbies or inspirations – travel, art, or culture?
I love traveling. This is an essential part of my life – meeting new people and other cultures, exploring the world. There is nothing better than to learn, taste, and enjoy the beautiful places on the planet. I have seen a lot of countries, and I hope we can travel safely again soon.
What is your style? Any brands or design trends you like to follow?
My style is sport & chique. I love to wear nice clothes that don’t have to be a specific brand. Besides clothes, I love well-made watches. I have a couple in my collection – two Rolexes and an IWC.
How do you hope your work changes the sports, media, and tech industries for the better? What will be your legacy?
I want to make a significant impact with our venture studio. Our goal is to create solutions that will add immense value to the industry that changes lives and help achieve people’s dreams – athletes, entrepreneurs, kids.
What’s a quote that you’d like to share with others?
“Dream big, work hard, stay focused, and surround yourself with good people.”
Photographer Devin L’Amoreaux @devinlamoreaux
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