PRESS RELEASE:
MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 21, 2017–
Rokk3r Labs, the Miami-based venture builder, today announced the launch of Rokk3r Fuel, a dedicated investment fund designed to give investors access to Rokk3r Labs’ proprietary approach of identifying and co-building innovative, new companies. Rokk3r Fuel is led by founding partners Jeff Ransdell and Jonas Tempel in partnership with Rokk3r Labs managing founders Nabyl Charania and Germán Montoya.
“We see Miami as a growing international destination and hub for entrepreneurs throughout the U.S., Latin America, Western Europe and Northern Africa,” said Germán Montoya, co-founder of Rokk3r Labs. “Jeff and Jonas bring a unique combination of experience and expertise in entrepreneurship and investing at the most established levels. We are thrilled to have them connecting investors to what we’re building at Rokk3r Labs.”
Prior to Rokk3r Fuel, Mr. Ransdell was Divisional Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, joining Merrill Lynch in 1994 and was responsible for $138 billion in private client investments as well as serving as a member of the operating committee. Mr. Tempel is a serial entrepreneur with a talent for building category defining brands. He was previously co-founder of Beats Music, which Apple acquired in 2014 to create Apple Music as well as founding CEO of Beatport, which SFX acquired in 2013. Jonas also serves as an investor, board member and advisor to several businesses and early stage companies.
The launch of Rokk3r Fuel builds on the success of Rokk3r Labs which has co-built over 40 companies since 2012. The fund is charged with bringing early stage capital to the best performing companies emerging from Rokk3r Labs. Standouts include AdMobilize, Hyp3r, Emerge and HotSwitch.
“It’s too exciting of a time to sit in a tower and not be involved in the future of global business,” says Ransdell, managing director and founding partner in Rokk3r Fuel. “It is projected that by 2025 the internet will connect 8 billion people and nearly 50 billion devices through exponential technologies, dramatically changing how the world operates.
“Through Fuel, we are providing access to these world-changing companies at the earliest stages while maximizing growth potential of their capital under our management,” said Mr. Tempel. “We are witnessing one of the greatest transformations in global human potential. At the center of this transformation sits a new breed of creator that is architecting transformative ideas by weaving together the nearly unlimited potential of the internet. The impact of their success will be truly exponential to our humanity as we know it today. We are launching our fund to empower the ambitions of these daring entrepreneurs.”
About Rokk3r Fuel:
Rokk3r Fuel is the dedicated investment group connected to Rokk3R Labs. The firm uses a tested methodology of risk mitigated early stage investing by working with Rokk3R Labs and our global network of professional company builders, to help the next generation of innovators access the resources needed to grow. Rokk3r Fuel is headquartered in the Miami’s Wynwood District. Visit http://www.rokk3rfuel.com.
About Rokk3r Labs:
Rokk3r Labs is a venture builder and the world’s first ‘co-building’ platform for entrepreneurs, corporations and investors to create exponential startups. As a partner, Rokk3r Labs increases value, mitigates risk and helps to remain at the edge of innovation. With a focus on leveraging exponential technologies (e.g., the blockchain, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things) and implementing new-age methods of raising capital, Rokk3r Labs is harnessing the global collective genius to co-build companies that change the world. Currently, Rokk3r Labs’ portfolio includes 40+ companies. Visit www.rokk3rlabs.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170321006497/en/
Rokk3r Fuel
Jeff Ransdell, 305-259-6637
Founding Partner and Managing Director