“Success is the result of psychologically preparing for it, prior to achieving it.” In true Melo style, Carmelo Anthony might have achieved everything, be it his basketball records, his business, or his son Kiyan hitting the news. But for someone like him, there’s never a stop. And mind you, his $160 Million net worth is not all basketball earnings. The 11x All-Star worked just as hard and smart off the court, building a legacy that has not been limited to basketball. Amid the conversations of other NBA stars-turned-businesses, we often tend to forget how far Melo has come in this aspect. Whether it be his own Wine Brand or his Creative 7 media production firm, you name it and Melo has it. But what are investments for? Returns, right? And no wonder one of his decades of investments has now returned him with something big!
But which investment stood out? Well, it was Mophie. A multimillion-dollar company that started with a barn. That’s exactly where Mophie’s journey began. Founders Daniel Huang and Shawn Dougherty launched the company in 2006 under the name mStation, making speakers and cases for iPods and MP3 players. To keep costs low, they skipped the fancy office space and set up shop in Dougherty’s barn in Kalamazoo, Michigan. With just $250,000 of their own money, they got to work. Their hustle paid off quickly—Mophie made $1 million in sales in its first year, catching Carmelo Anthony’s attention.
Back in 2007, Anthony quietly put $500,000 into a little-known phone accessory company called Mophie. Fast forward nine years, and that investment paid off big time. His half-million-dollar investment gave the company the boost it needed, allowing it to stock up on inventory, relocate to Paw Paw, and acquire Mophie as a brand in 2007.
“In 2007, Carmelo provided a $500K angel check to the phone accessory company [Mophie]. Fast forward 9 years… Apple is carrying their products, and Zagg acquires them for over $100M. Melo cashed out up 800-1000%,” Profluence Sports founder Andrew Petcash revealed on X.
1) Mophie
In 2007, Carmelo provided a $500K angel check to the phone accessory company.
Fast forward 9 years…
Apple is carrying their products, and Zagg acquires them for over $100M.
Melo cashed out up 800-1000%. pic.twitter.com/ZNzzjAQdjk
— Andrew Petcash (@AndrewPetcash) March 19, 2025
Fast forward to 2016, and the gamble paid off hugely. ZAGG Inc.—a giant in mobile accessories—acquired Mophie in a deal worth at least $100 million. Melo’s investment grew 800-1000%, meaning he likely cashed out with $4M–$5M, turning a smart early bet into a massive profit. Not to forget, the two companies had already pulled in a combined $470 million in sales in 2015!
ZAGG, known for its tablet keyboard cases, screen protectors, and mobile audio gear, was one of Mophie’s biggest competitors before the acquisition. But for Carmelo Anthony, it wasn’t about competition—it was about smart investing. And this one? A slam dunk. And it’s not as if it was a fluke of an investment.
Carmelo Anthony has been leaning quite a bit toward tech-based investments
Anthony’s impact in Baltimore goes far beyond basketball. It’s about style, influence, and a lasting presence that extends well past the hardwood. While he was lighting up arenas with his signature moves, he was also making a different kind of play—one that had nothing to do with points or rebounds.
Even before his retirement, Anthony had already stepped into the tech world. In 2013, he co-founded Melo7 Tech Partners with Stuart Goldfarb, taking his court vision into the world of venture capital. Instead of reading defenses, he was now spotting promising startups and investing in their growth.
Operating out of New York, Melo7 Tech Partners focuses on early and later-stage investments, backing companies in digital media, consumer internet, and tech-driven industries. The mission? To push innovation forward and help young businesses thrive.
Just like his spin move left defenders guessing, Anthony’s investment strategy has been sharp and forward-thinking. His firm has played a role in the rise of several major companies, teaming up with powerhouses like Andreessen Horowitz and Accel to shape the future of tech.
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