Matt Higgins

Matt T. Higgins began his career with modest roots, cleaning tables at a fast-food restaurant before transitioning into sports business. A Queens College alumnus (class of '98), he spent 15 years in senior leadership with NFL teams, including Executive Vice President of Business Operations for the New York Jets and Vice Chairman of the Miami Dolphins from 2012 to 2021. His NFL experience honed skills in revenue generation and operations, leading to his pivot to private investment. In 2012, Higgins co-founded RSE Ventures with real estate developer Stephen M. Ross, establishing a New York City-based firm focused on sports and entertainment, media and marketing, food and lifestyle, and technology. Under his leadership as CEO, RSE amassed a multi-billion-dollar portfolio, incubating and investing in ventures like the Drone Racing League, restaurant app Resy (acquired by American Express in 2019), and cybersecurity firm SkOUT Secure Intelligence. Higgins expanded into consumer brands, securing stakes in Momofuku, Milk Bar, &pizza, Bluestone Lane, and taking full ownership of Magnolia Bakery in 2020. Higgins deepened ties with digital marketing through partnerships, becoming the first client and co-owner of VaynerMedia with Gary Vaynerchuk, and forming VaynerRSE, a $25 million seed fund. He also co-founded Derris, a PR firm for brands like Warby Parker and Glossier (acquired by BerlinRosen in 2022). As an author, he released the Wall Street Journal bestseller Burn the Boats, promoting an entrepreneurial mindset. Academically, he serves as an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, co-teaching 'Moving Beyond Direct-to-Consumer.' Currently, Higgins remains CEO of RSE Ventures and Chairman/CEO of Omnichannel Acquisition Corp., while appearing as a Guest Shark on Shark Tank seasons 10-11. His approach emphasizes unlocking founder potential through tailored support, drawing from 25 years across industries.