Biography of Matt Higgins: Founder of RSE Ventures, PWD & Lockchain.ai -Entrepreneur
Biography of Matt Higgins:
Early Struggles and Determination
Matt Higgins had a challenging childhood, growing up in
poverty in Queens, New York. From a young age, he was familiar with hard work,
selling flowers on street corners and even working at McDonald’s to help
support his family. His drive to escape poverty was immense, leading him to
drop out of high school at 16. Instead of following the traditional academic
route, he focused on working full-time and enrolling in college earlier than
most of his peers.
Educational Pursuits and Achievements
Despite leaving high school early, Higgins didn't give up on
education. He pursued a degree in political science at Queens College,
finishing his studies while managing a full-time job. Later, he went on to earn
a law degree from Fordham University School of Law, studying at night while
continuing to work. He was an active member of the Fordham Law Review during
his time at law school, showcasing his dedication and academic focus despite
his non-traditional path.
A Career in Public Service
Higgins’ career began in public service when he took on the
role of the youngest mayoral press secretary in New York City. At the age of
26, he was tasked with managing the city’s media response to the tragic events
of September 11, 2001. His ability to handle high-pressure situations during
such a pivotal time in the city’s history marked the beginning of his rise in
the professional world.
Impact on the World Trade Center Rebuilding
Following his work as press secretary, Higgins became
involved in the rebuilding efforts for the World Trade Center site. He was
appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of the Lower Manhattan Development
Corporation. The agency was tasked with overseeing the restoration of Ground
Zero, and Higgins played a significant role in the development of the memorial
and the design competition that led to the construction of One World Trade
Center, which stands as a symbol of resilience.
Transition to the NFL
After his impactful work in public service, Higgins
transitioned into the private sector, joining the National Football League
(NFL). His leadership skills were evident in his work with two major NFL teams,
where he oversaw the business and revenue operations. This experience shaped
his future career and helped him gain a deeper understanding of the sports
industry and business dynamics.
Co-founding RSE Ventures
In 2012, Higgins co-founded RSE Ventures, a private
investment firm. This venture, alongside Stephen M. Ross, owner of the Miami
Dolphins, allowed Higgins to channel his diverse experience into helping
businesses grow. RSE Ventures focuses on investing in innovative companies
across various industries, such as sports, entertainment, media, marketing,
technology, and consumer goods. The firm’s portfolio includes some of the most
dynamic brands and companies today.
Expanding RSE’s Investment Reach
RSE Ventures has had an impressive run, with investments in
notable companies like Resy, which was acquired by American Express in 2019,
and the Drone Racing League, which became the premier drone racing circuit.
Other investments include the International Champions Cup, a massive soccer
tournament featuring top European clubs, and Derris, a communications agency
that has helped popular brands like Warby Parker and Glossier.
The Power of Partnerships
RSE Ventures also made strategic investments in the food
industry, focusing on rapidly expanding fine dining and casual dining concepts.
Some of these investments include Magnolia Bakery, Momofuku, Milk Bar,
&pizza, and Bluestone Lane. These brands have become icons in their
respective categories, illustrating the foresight and expertise that RSE
Ventures brings to the table.
A Shark Tank Star
Higgins gained further public recognition when he appeared
as a guest shark on the Emmy-winning TV show Shark Tank. He starred in seasons
10 and 11, where he offered his expertise and capital to budding entrepreneurs.
His appearance on the show helped solidify his status as a leading figure in
the entrepreneurial world, offering advice to ambitious founders and helping to
shape the next generation of successful businesses.
Becoming a Published Author
In addition to his successful career as a businessman and
investor, Higgins expanded his expertise into the world of literature. In 2023,
he published a book titled Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash
Your Full Potential, which became a Wall Street Journal bestseller. In his
book, Higgins encourages readers to fully commit to their goals and let go of
fallback options, advocating for a mindset of total dedication and persistence.
Mentorship and Teaching at Harvard
Higgins also dedicated time to giving back to the next
generation of leaders by becoming an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business
School. There, he co-teaches a course called “Moving Beyond
Direct-to-Consumer,” where he shares his knowledge and experience on consumer
trends with future business leaders. His work as a mentor and educator has had
a lasting impact on students looking to make their mark in the business world.
Biography of Matt Higgins: Founder of RSE Ventures, PWD & Lockchain.ai- Entrepreneur#age#net worth#investor#VaynerMedia#startup#Matt Higgins story
Co-ownership of VaynerMedia
In addition to his work with RSE Ventures, Higgins is a
co-owner of VaynerMedia, one of the largest social media-first agencies in the
world. Founded by Gary Vaynerchuk, VaynerMedia has played a critical role in
helping brands navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media marketing.
Through this partnership, Higgins has helped companies understand the
importance of digital marketing in today’s business world.
Recognition and Honors
Higgins’ impact on society and business has not gone
unnoticed. In 2019, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, joining a
prestigious group that includes former U.S. presidents, Nobel Prize winners,
and other influential leaders. This recognition highlighted his contributions
to business and society, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in multiple
fields.
Advocacy and Social Responsibility
In addition to his business ventures, Higgins is a board
member of Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals
with autism and their families. His involvement in this cause reflects his
commitment to giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that make
a positive impact on society.
A Diverse Entrepreneurial Journey
Higgins’ entrepreneurial journey has been diverse and
unconventional. From growing up in a difficult environment to becoming a
prominent figure in the business world, his career reflects a story of
resilience, adaptability, and innovation. His work spans across various
industries, from sports to entertainment, technology, and even the restaurant
industry, showing his ability to thrive in multiple domains.
A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Today, Matt Higgins continues to build his legacy as an
entrepreneur, investor, and educator. His ability to recognize and invest in
emerging trends and his drive to help others succeed has made him a key figure
in the business world. With his continued influence, Higgins is shaping the
future of various industries and inspiring a new generation of leaders to trust
their instincts and never stop pushing for their goals.
Timeline for story
Childhood (Early 1980s) – Grew up in poverty in Queens, New
York.
Dropped out of high school (1990) – Left high school at 16
to work full-time.
Queens College (1990s) – Pursued a political science degree
while working full-time.
Fordham University Law School (Late 1990s - Early 2000s) –
Earned a law degree while working.
Mayor’s Press Secretary (2001) – Became the youngest press
secretary during 9/11.
World Trade Center Rebuilding (2002-2004) – COO of Lower
Manhattan Development Corporation.
NFL Career (2004-2012) – Worked on business operations for
NFL teams.
Co-founded RSE Ventures (2012) – Launched the investment
firm with Stephen Ross.
Notable Investments (2012-2019) – Invested in Resy, Drone
Racing League, and more.
Appeared on Shark Tank (2019) – Featured as a guest shark in
seasons 10-11.
Published "Burn the Boats" (2023) – Released a
Wall Street Journal bestseller.
Harvard Executive Fellow (2023) – Co-teaches a course at
Harvard Business School.
Co-ownership of VaynerMedia (2023) – Became co-owner of the
social media agency.
