La Playa Holdings, a subsidiary of Podium Venture Group, has acquired a
minority interest in VERuM Sports Inc., a faith-based sports brand.
Atlanta-based VERuM, which is Latin for truth, partners with Christian
athletes and sports organizations at all levels and utilizes faith
based sports publications like Sports Spectrum magazine to reach its
core athlete and sports enthusiast audience.
Michael Cheney, president and CEO of VERuM Sports, spent almost 15
years in the international and domestic Coca-Cola system before he
started VERuM, which makes both apparel and sports equipment. VERuM's
goal is to serve as “a bridge between all of the positive qualities of
one of the most powerful influences in our lives, sports, and the most
important aspect our lives, faith.”
“I was very fortunate to spend the last 5 years of my career at
Coca-Cola on the Sports Marketing side of our business,” said Cheney in
a statement. “I had the opportunity to make deals and create great
relationships across a wide variety of sports properties and teams and
I am using those relationships now to help grow our brand and our
faith.”
“I am excited about the addition of the interest in VERuM Sports to La
Playa Holdings,” said Rob Loud, president of Podium Venture Group Inc.
“Michael Cheney has a great deal of experience in the sports marketing
arena and I believe he is building a first class organization in a
niche market. The launch of their website is coming soon and they have
great things ahead of them.”
The statement noted that there are over 280 million Christians in the US.
Podium Venture Group, also based in Atlanta, in April retained first
option to acquire a majority interest in Corduroy Surf Company a surf
equipment, apparel, and art retailer with both storefront and online
sales planned. It also holds investments in a
wireless broadband provider and an information technology consulting
company.
