Introducing GONZO HQ
A look into the evolving intersection of business, technology, and culture.
From the Carlyle Group's significant investment in music catalogs to the Major League Soccer’s (MLS) appointment of Guillermo Andrade, cult LA streetwear designer/424 Founder, as Leagues Cup Leagues Cup Creative Advisor, it’s evident that culture is converging. YouTubers launching VC’s and retail investor apps like Public.com treating music catalogs as tradable assets exemplify the blurring lines between sectors.
In this evolving landscape, I founded GONZO HQ. My journey – managing music artists, running a joint-venture with Sony Music, advising tech startups, and brokering brand deals with giants like Nike – has shown me the power of authentic cultural connections. GONZO HQ is dedicated to those reshaping media, tech, and entertainment: the entrepreneurs, creative thinkers, and culture leaders.
Darnell Strom, transitioning from politics to Hollywood agent at UTA, exemplifies this crossover. His roster is an unusual amalgamation of cross-sector culture leaders such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, Edward Enninful, EIC of British Vogue, and Emmy-winning director, writer, and actress, Michaela Cole. In a podcast with BOF, Strom credits the late Virgil Abloh for his eclectic client strategy: “You should be representing people like me, people who are multi-hyphenate, people who understand that there are no walls between these worlds of culture.”
As we witness entrepreneurs, athletes, and executives leveraging success across sectors, GONZO HQ aims to provide insights for those navigating this dynamic convergence. If you're intrigued by the fusion of culture and business, subscribe to GONZO HQ and join a community redefining traditional boundaries.
Written by Kobi Ansong