An NFL star and an Austin-based private equity firm are joining forces to launch a new company specializing in luxury real estate investments in coastal communities. The new firm, Platinum Pro Capital, emerges from a merger between MZ Investments—co-founded by Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown and his wife, Zoei Brown—and Island Sky Investments of Austin. The firm will be headquartered in Austin and will cater to professional athletes and high-net-worth individuals seeking coastal resort real estate ownership. Brown played for the Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens before signing with the Chiefs this year.
“My career in the NFL has sparked a passion for helping fellow professional athletes build wealth, creating pathways to a fulfilling life beyond sports,” stated Marquise Brown, co-founder and corporate ambassador at Platinum Pro Capital. “With this new venture, we’re providing an opportunity for athletes to secure their financial futures through high-quality, lucrative real estate investments.”
Platinum Pro Capital has already launched its first fund, Platinum Pro Fund 1, targeting investments in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida. According to Jason Caraway, co-founder and CEO of Platinum Pro Capital and founder of Island Sky Investments, the fund aims to raise $57 million. The fund offers investment opportunities in two developments:
The Island Sky St. John Residence Club: An oceanfront luxury condo development in the U.S. Virgin Islands, currently 50% complete in St. John’s Turner Bay.
Grand Bahama Development: An existing 257-room resort where the firm plans to construct 40 to 70 new condos.
“We’ve officially launched the fund and have been working diligently as a team,” said Caraway. “We already have early investors, including NFL players. While we focus on athlete investors, we also cater to other high-net-worth individuals and institutions.”
The leadership team at Platinum Pro includes Zoei Brown as co-founder and Chief of Business Development, Jennifer Battle as co-founder and Managing Director of Investment, and Tyler Marshall as Managing Director of Capital Distribution. The firm anticipates minor hiring to fill project management roles and support staff.
Caraway also mentioned potential expansion plans into new markets, particularly on the East or Southeast Coast.
By Cody Baird – Staff Writer, Austin Business Journal
Marquise Brown of the Kansas City Chiefs