Tennis star invest in new crowd-funding start-ups

Tennis star Andy Murray is expanding his off-court interests with investments in three British start-up companies through crowdfunding platform Seedrs.

The world number two, who joined the advisory board of Seedrs in June, has taken a stake in healthy eating chain Tossed; 3D virtual reality shop company Trillenium, which has been backed by online fashion firm ASOS; and Fuel Ventures Fund, founded by entrepreneur and investor Mark Pearson.

Murray said: “The three businesses I’ve chosen to kick off my crowdfunding investment portfolio are all in areas of industry I find interesting.

“Healthy eating is something I have to be passionate about as a sportsman, so Tossed was immediately one to consider, and the other two businesses are really pushing the boundaries of technology.”

Murray has not disclosed the amount of his investment in the businesses.

The move sees Murray, who confirmed earlier this month that he is expecting his first child with wife Kim Sears, expand his growing business empire, adding to his management company 77 and luxury Scottish hotel Cromlix near his hometown of Dunblane.

Tossed has now raised more than its £750,000 crowdfunding target, while Trillenium has so far raised more than £225,000 and Fuel Ventures Fund has notched up £549,900 on Seedrs as part of its overall £30 million venture fund.

Murray said: “I’m excited to be investing in these driven entrepreneurs and their businesses on Seedrs.

“It’s important to me that I back people who I believe have the same dedication, hunger and professional standards as myself and always strive to be their best.”

He added that being involved with fast-growing start-ups may help him on the tennis court.

“I’m hoping that I can learn something from how they are edging ahead of the competition and take that vision onto the court with me,” he said.

Murray also plans to make further investments on the Seedrs platform.