Shaquille O’Neal Once Revealed How a Random Babysitting Job Led to Investment in Company Worth USD 1.966 Trillion Today

Shaquille O’Neal’s chance babysitting gig led him to invest in Google before its IPO, a move that has significantly paid off as Google now boasts a valuation of USD 1.966 trillion.

Updated on Aug 06, 2024  |  09:58 PM IST |  61.3K
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Shaquille O’Neal’s lucky investment

Famous for his supremacy on the basketball court, Shaquille O'Neal has also made significant financial gains. The most amazing tale from his path of investment is about a fortuitous meeting he had while babysitting that resulted in an early investment in Google, a business currently valued at an astounding USD 1.966 trillion.

O'Neal was lodging at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles during the early 1990s as he was starting his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He happened to be playing with another hotel guest's kids during this period. O'Neal had no idea that this seemingly routine task would pave the way for a ground-breaking financial opportunity.

O'Neal kept the guest's children entertained while they attended a business conference. Following the meeting, the visitor decided to give O'Neal the opportunity to invest in Google, which was still in its infancy, after being impressed by the way O'Neal interacted with his kids. O'Neal recalled this fortunate incident while making an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."


“I’m actually babysitting the guy’s kids while he’s in a meeting,” O’Neal shared. “So after the meeting, he says, ‘You know what? You’re good with kids, I like you, I’m going to bring you in on this investment.’ And it was called Google. He said, ‘You know, in the future, you’re going to be able to type on your phone, search engine this, do this, boom, boom, boom, you should invest.’ I invested, and then a couple of years later, I got a really big return.”

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O'Neal made an investment in Google prior to the business' 2004 initial public offering (IPO). The exact amount of his contribution is still unknown, although early Google investors profited handsomely from the company's price rise following its IPO. Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, is today valued at USD 1.966 trillion, a number that highlights the tremendous success of O'Neal's original investment.


This early financial success served as a springboard for O'Neal's further business endeavors. Well-known for his methodical approach to investing, O'Neal has amassed a varied portfolio that includes holdings in well-known businesses including Apple, 24 Hour Fitness, Five Guys, and a number of nightclubs in Las Vegas. His dedication to promoting inventions and goods that have the power to change lives informs his investment strategy.

On "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," O’Neal shared his rule for his children’s financial access: “My most famous rule is, in order to touch any of my cheese, you have to present me two degrees.” By using “cheese” as a metaphor for money, O’Neal underscores his belief in the value of education and hard work.

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The fortuitous investment made by Shaquille O'Neal in Google is a striking illustration of how unforeseen chances can result in great financial success. His experience serves as a testament to the need of a deliberate and methodical approach to wealth management, as well as the value of time and luck in investing.

Also Read: Shaquille O’Neal’s Crazy Remodeling Requests Goes Viral After Hilarious Admission From Famous Car Expert

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Agrima Rawat is a lifetime sports fan who enjoys capturing the drama and thrill of athletic competitions.She has

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