Latest news with #EarnYourLeisure
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Invest Fest 2025 Announces Open Pitch, A Startup Pitch Competition With $125,000 Investment Prize
Earn Your Leisure and Open Opportunity Fund Partner to Spotlight the Next Generation of Breakout Tech Startups ATLANTA, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Open Opportunity Fund, the venture capital firm, is partnering with Earn Your Leisure (EYL), the cultural force behind Invest Fest, to launch the Open Pitch competition live on stage at Invest Fest 2025 in Atlanta. The competition offers a $125,000 investment prize and a national platform for early-stage founders building what's next in tech. Applications are open now at and Open Pitch is the high-energy startup competition built to discover and support the most promising early-stage companies. With hundreds of applicants, five finalists, and one ultimate winner, the competition delivers more than exposure—it connects founders directly with active investors and business leaders who know what it takes to scale. Finalists will pitch live on stage at Invest Fest at the Georgia World Congress Center. The top five startups will be selected from 25 semi-finalists and evaluated by a panel of guest investor judges. Finalists receive real-time feedback, strategic connections, and a shot at national visibility—and one will walk away with a $125,000 investment from Open Opportunity Fund. "Invest Fest has become one of the most powerful platforms for economic empowerment in our culture," said Paul Judge, Managing Partner at Open Opportunity Fund. "Bringing Open Pitch to this audience is about spotlighting world-class founders who are building the future. We're proud to back them with capital and community." "At Earn Your Leisure, our mission is rooted in ownership, access, and opportunity," said Rashad Bilal, Co-founder of Earn Your Leisure & Invest Fest. "Partnering with Paul and Open Opportunity Fund to launch Open Pitch is a natural evolution of that mission. This is more than a pitch competition—it's a movement to fund the future." "Over the years, we've hosted pitch competitions that have helped founders get their start—but this is the next generation," added Troy Millings, Co-founder of Earn Your Leisure & Invest Fest. "Now we're not just providing capital—we're surrounding the winning companies with strategic support and value creation after the investment. That's how real growth happens." Open Pitch is where bold ideas meet real opportunity. As artificial intelligence and cloud technology transform every industry—from finance to healthcare, logistics to education—Open Pitch gives founders a national stage to lead that transformation. Applications close June 30. For eligibility and competition details, visit and About Invest Fest Invest Fest is a first-of-its-kind experience blending investing, entrepreneurship, pop culture, and entertainment. Launched by the Earn Your Leisure platform, the annual festival brings together thousands of attendees—including investors, business leaders, creatives, and changemakers—for a dynamic weekend of panels, live interviews, networking opportunities, and cultural activations. Held in Atlanta, Invest Fest serves as a national stage for economic empowerment, financial literacy, and wealth-building within underrepresented communities. About Earn Your Leisure Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends, Earn Your Leisure (EYL) has rapidly grown into one of the most influential and innovative media platforms in the world of business, finance, and entrepreneurship. What began as an educational podcast designed to bridge the gap between traditional financial education and popular culture has evolved into a global movement—empowering millions to build wealth and achieve financial freedom. Today, EYL boasts a loyal community of more than 1.6 million followers across social media and over 1.6 million YouTube subscribers. What started as a podcast has since expanded into a multifaceted ecosystem that includes: About Open Opportunity Fund Open Opportunity Fund is a technology investment firm focused on investing in B2B software companies. Open Opportunity Fund's portfolio spans enterprise IT, artificial intelligence, fintech, and health tech sectors. Opportunity Fund 1 is a $100 million fund. The firm has invested in 75 tech companies including Atomic, Brex, Cityblock Health, Eight Sleep, Esusu, Lumu, Paystand, QuickNode, and Subject. In 2023, the team led by Paul Judge and Marcelo Claure announced Fund 2 with a $200 million target to continue to execute the thesis. Media Contacts: Earn Your Leisure:francoise@ / asow@ Open Opportunity Fund: pr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Open Opportunity Fund Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Earn Your Leisure CEOs Unveil the Invest Fest Lineup
INTV - Rishad Bilal & Troy Millings - Earn Your Leisure, Co-CEOs & Co-Founders speak with Alix Steel and Romaine Bostick about Invest Fest 2025 and navigating today's market. (Source: Bloomberg)
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Shaquille O'Neal's wild life and £370m fortune he won't share with children
Shaquille O'Neal is one of the greatest basketball players of all time and has amassed a nine-figure fortune - but he plans to leave none of it to his six kids Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal has amassed a substantial fortune since beginning his illustrious NBA career over three decades ago. The 53-year-old, who won four NBA championships, was named season MVP in 2000, and earned 15 All-Star selections, has arguably achieved equal success off the court. The TNT analyst has numerous business ventures, including being appointed Reebok's president of basketball in 2023. His efforts to revive Reebok's reputation in basketball, alongside NBA legend Allen Iverson, are documented in the new Netflix series Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal, released today. The show follows O'Neal and Iverson, Reebok's vice president of basketball, as they search for the brand's next marquee name. They seemingly land on WNBA rising star Angel Reese, who has described O'Neal as a "father figure." O'Neal's impact at Reebok has already been significant, even before the show's release. "There's a powerful shift happening at Reebok right now, and Power Moves lets the world experience it with us," Reebok CEO Todd Krinsky said. "This isn't just a comeback, it's a cultural movement, fueled by purpose, passion, and the kind of leadership that inspires real change. Jersey Legends saw that spark and knew this was the moment to capture. "What Shaq, Allen, and our team are building is electric, and this series brings viewers inside the heart of it, as it happens." Here, Mirror Sport takes a closer look at the life of the basketball legend. Building fortune O'Neal, often known as 'Shaq', has made his mark not only on the basketball court but also in the financial world. He boasts an estimated net worth of £370million ($450m) that spans NBA salaries, media gigs, sponsorships, and savvy business dealings. He was the NBA's top earner in three separate seasons, with an eye-watering £20.3m top salary from the Miami Heat and total basketball earnings of £215m ($292m). O'Neal's portfolio isn't limited to shooting hoops; he's netted quite the collection in the business sector, too—buying 155 Five Guys eateries, owning 40 gyms, and sweeping up 150 car washes. However, despite sitting on a goldmine, which includes his endorsement deals with Papa Johns and Pepsi, Shaq is playing hardball when it comes to inheritance. He does not plan to hand over any cash unless his six offspring show grit and enterprise. No inheritance O'Neal opened up about family values on the Earn Your Leisure podcast, admitting his kids are annoyed that he doesn't plan to leave his millions as an inheritance. "My kids are older now. They're kinda upset with me," he confessed. "Not really upset, but they don't understand. I tell them all the time. We ain't rich. I'm rich." Clarifying his stance on wealth and responsibility, he explained: "You gotta have bachelor's or master's [degrees], and then if you want me to invest in one of your companies, you're going to have to present it, boom boom boom, bring it to me. I'll let you know, I'm not giving you nothing. "There's one rule: education. I don't care if you play basketball. I don't care about none of that. "Listen, I got six kids. I would like a doctor, somebody to own a hedge fund, a pharmacist, a lawyer, someone that owns multiple businesses, someone to take over my business. But I tell them I'm not going to hand it to you. You gotta earn." Rolls-Royce spree The former basketball superstar once flashed his cash in spectacular style, spending £1m ($1.3m) in a single day after feeling snubbed at a car dealership. O'Neal, who owns an impressive car collection, had an impulsive moment when a salesperson asked if he could afford a Rolls-Royce. This slight provoked him to purchase three vehicles in one go. It was later revealed that he'd had a customised Superman logo added to his Rolls-Royce Cullinan. "I don't wanna spend $400,000 for a car. So I'm like, 'Hey man how much is this? Nah. How much is this one?'" he recalled on the Revolt podcast, as per the Daily Star. "So finally the old guy says, 'Yo man, you asking about all these cars, can you afford them?'" "Now I'm p*****. I said, 'What the f*** you just said to me?' So I buy three. That one, that one, and that one, and I want them dropped off. Move the seat back. So I got 3 Rolls-Royces that I never drive. So there goes another million." Record trip to Walmart Shaq also boasted about setting a record at Walmart during his appearance on The Late Late Show in 2018. The shopping came shortly after O'Neal joined the Phoenix Suns from the Miami Heat in 2008. "I have the biggest purchase in Walmart history," he said while sitting next to Victoria Beckham. "$70,000. I get traded from Miami to Phoenix, and I'm the type of guy [that] I have no patience. So when I get to Phoenix, they have an apartment for me. Nothing's in it. "Two or three in the morning, I gotta go get four or five TVs, I gotta go get printers, I gotta go get laptops. I gotta go get sheets, towels, underwear, t-shirts." However, he hit a snag when his credit card was declined at the checkout, prompting a call from his bank over fraud concerns: Despite the hiccup, Shaq knew his financial status was solid: "I put it back in, and it said declined again. So now I'm saying, 'Well, I know I'm not broke,'" he quipped. "So I just said 'alright, I'll be back' and then the American Express security called me [and he said] 'hey man, somebody stole your credit card and they spent $70,000 at Walmart'. "I said 'no that was me', [the security guard replied] 'what the hell are you buying for $70,000?"
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shaquille O' Neal Says A Young Waitress Once Asked Him For A $4,000 Tip To Pay Her Rent For Two Months — And He Said, 'Ok, No Problem'
Some billionaires tip 10% and call it a lesson in humility. Shaquille O'Neal? He'll pay your rent—if you bring the food fast enough. Despite a net worth reportedly hovering around $500 million and a portfolio that includes Krispy Kreme, early investments in Google and Ring, and more than a few real estate plays, Shaq isn't known for flaunting his wealth. He's known for sharing it. Back in 2017, during an interview on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Shaq explained his unconventional approach to tipping—and it's very on brand. "When I'm at restaurants, I am a big tipper," he said. "I like to show my appreciation." Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – And that appreciation starts before the food even hits the table. "So when they come up to the table," he told host Jimmy Kimmel, "I say, the quicker I get my order, the bigger your tip will be. And the food will come fast." It works. And once the meal's done? "I'll ask them, how much you want?" Shaq said casually. That response caught Kimmel off guard. "You'll ask the waiter how much they want?" Usually the tip is up to the diner—not the server. But Shaq doesn't exactly play by the usual rules. And once, that unexpected offer came with a big ask. "The most someone said was $4,000," Shaq said. "And I said, 'OK, no problem.'" Stunned, Kimmel questioned, "You gave them $4,000?" Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Shaq grinned. "It was a young lady. She goes, oh my God, you're gonna pay my rent for two months." Kimmel laughed, warning him that kind of generosity might backfire. "You really should not have said this, because now you can never go out to dinner again." And he had a point—now that word's out he's not just a generous tipper, but the kind who lets waitstaff name their price. Of course, this isn't a one-off. Shaq's done things like buy an engagement ring for a young man, pay off the tab for an entire restaurant, and even help the homeless get back on their feet. Stories of his kindness are easy to find—and usually go viral. But when it comes to his own kids? He makes them work for a 2021 appearance on the "Earn Your Leisure" podcast, Shaq laid out the difference: "My kids are older now. They're kinda upset with me. They're not really upset, but they don't understand. I tell them all the time: 'We ain't rich. I'm rich.'" He went on: "You got to have a bachelor's or master's degree, and then, if you want me to invest in one of your companies, you're going to have to present it to me. Bring it to me, and I'll let you know. I'm not giving you nothing." He may leave four-figure tips for strangers, but for his kids? It's all about hustle, discipline, and a pitch deck. Read Next: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Shaquille O' Neal Says A Young Waitress Once Asked Him For A $4,000 Tip To Pay Her Rent For Two Months — And He Said, 'Ok, No Problem' originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Damon Dash's Lawyers Withdraw From Representation Amid Bankruptcy And $4 Million Legal Battle With Filmmaker
Damon Dash could have a tough journey ahead. His lawyers have withdrawn from representing him amid his $4 million legal battle with filmmaker Josh Webber, and as he prepares to file for bankruptcy. AllHipHop obtained court documents showing that Dame's attorneys submitted paperwork to the U.S. District Court on Monday (April 28) expressing their desire to step away, explaining that the music executive refused to 'cooperate with court-ordered asset disclosure.' They also claimed that Dash told them that 'responding would be futile' because he was filing for bankruptcy, and everyone should wait for that process to play out. Further, they stated that representing the 53-year-old entrepreneur has been a frustrating experience due to his lack of communication and how he conducts himself in matters unrelated to the case. They ultimately requested a 30-day pause in all proceedings so Dame could find new attorneys and put the finishing touches on his bankruptcy filing. Damon Dash has been in a legal battle with Josh Webber for a few years now over the film Dear Frank. Webber filed a defamation lawsuit against Dash in 2019, explaining how he was hired to co-direct Dear Frank in 2016 and was fired two years later for being under the influence on set. Webber claims that the Roc-A-Fella co-founder went on to pitch the film to multiple networks under a new title, The List, changing to name so that his former collaborator wouldn't catch on to him taking the film idea somewhere else. Webber doubled back in 2024, citing more current defamatory comments from Dash from his appearances on Earn Your Leisure. 'I had a judgment,' he said. 'And I knew this d**khead Chris Brown (pause) and Josh Webber […] I went through four trials with the same lawyer… What I lost was defamation because these guys trigger me and steal my sh*t… you think there is freedom of speech, it's really not.' Webber claimed that Dash publicly slandering him caused him to lose out on a $4 million gig to direct and produce a movie starring Billy Bob Thornton and Scott Eastwood. Webber scored a big win last month when Dash was ordered to pay him $4 million in a default judgment after losing the defamation lawsuit, a major increase from the $805,000 he was ordered to pay in 2022. Earlier this year, he suggested that Dash auction his valuables, such as his engagement ring, to cover what he owed. This was after Dame had already auctioned his one-third of ownership in Roc-A-Fella. More from Damon Dash In Danger Of Losing Ownership Of 'State Property' Film At Auction Tasha K Granted $3.9M Payment Plan To Pay Cardi B After Filing Bankruptcy Dame Dash Accused Of Multiple Court Violations Amid Latest Lawsuit Loss
