AB legend swaps footy jersey with suit for business opportunity

Dan Carter is backing ‘Uber of dry cleaning’ startup Laundromap, recently taking a ten percent stake in the business.

Laundromap, an on-demand dry cleaning pickup and delivery service, has All Blacks rugby star Dan Carter on board as a business backer.

Carter has taken a ten percent equity stake through his jointly owned investment business, 910 Limited, and is looking to become more involved in the company as and when he transitions away from rugby.

Carter said he recognised how important it was to have a career after sport. Although still not 100 percent sure what he will do, the opportunity to be involved with Laundromap would help give an insight to the corporate world.

“I was introduced to the Laundromap business earlier this year, and my first thought was, ‘why has it taken so long for someone to offer this service?’,” he said. 

Laundromap is well-placed to win over a lot of users in Australia and New Zealand with its simple yet incredibly convenient on-demand delivery service. 

“My investment company, 910 Limited, isn’t set up to invest in startups, but we saw such huge potential in Laundromap and its founders that we had to get involved.

“I see this as a great opportunity to develop the business skills and experience I’ll need for the next chapter of my life.” 

“The reality is that as an athlete, you’re used to being incredibly high-performing within a very narrow skill set. When it’s time to retire, you need to transition yourself and all your applicable skills into a whole new world ”

“My involvement with Laundromap will expose me to the inner workings of a high growth company. I plan to stay across the business ongoing, with a view of potentially becoming more involved in high level strategy and planning in the future.”

He also said that formal business study was on the cards at some point, but for now he was happy to learn through direct experience with Laundromap.

Co-founder and CEO of Laundromap, Hayden Foster, said the team was excited to have Dan on board, not just as a shareholder but as an integral part of the Laundromap family.

“The profile-building opportunities that he brings to Laundromap will be invaluable, and we’re looking forward to being involved in his transition from the footy field to boardroom,” he said. 

910 Limited is a venture Carter launched with former Canterbury Crusaders player Ben Hurst. The company name is based on the rugby positions they had when playing together at the franchise.

Laundromap launched in Sydney in October and is currently completing a $3 million capital raise.