Shaquille O’Neal
Alternative investment manager Jacmel Partners’ infrastructure platform, Jacmel Infrastructure, appointed Shaquille O’Neal as a founding partner, with the goal of making impact investments that benefit underserved communities.
Jacmel Infrastructure was formally launched in January, with Jacmel Senior Adviser Mike Salzman appointed as operating partner. According to a January statement from Jacmel, the platform is intended to invest in critical infrastructure projects and operating platforms in the transportation, energy, social and digital sectors.
The firm, with O’Neal, will also invest in large-scale private infrastructure projects intended to enhance communities and drive economic growth. The platform will look to support urban revitalization efforts and invest in critical transportation needs, energy development and digital infrastructure to support underserved communities, according to this week’s announcement.
“One of my core values is that if you have a positive impact on people’s lives, you will win,” O’Neal said in a statement. “I’ve had an opportunity to build a diverse portfolio of business interests over the years, but this marks my official foray into infrastructure, and I know these projects will have a major impact on our communities.”
The Jacmel Infrastructure platform is led by Co-Managing Partners Nick Jean-Baptiste and Jorge Mena. The firm announced in May an investment in LaGuardia Gateway Partners, an entity managing the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B in New York City.
“Growing up in Orlando, I saw firsthand Shaquille’s influence on and off the court, and it’s been remarkable to see his dedication to his business ventures and community impact over the years,” Jean-Baptiste said in a statement. “Now as partners, we look forward to executing on our joint vision for investing in transformative infrastructure projects. We believe that these types of projects will lay the groundwork for future generations to thrive.”
The former NBA star, 53, is a prolific investor. O’Neal’s portfolio has included hundreds of fast-food chains, more than 150 car washes, a large real estate portfolio and an early investment in Google—made in 1999, according to Front Office Sports.
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