Dave Portnoy Tells Mike Tyson How He Raised $40 Million in Funding During Pandemic

Published 07/03/2022, 9:00 AM EDT

The Coronavirus pandemic was a massive blow to multiple small-scale businesses. Fortunately, the sporting world has lent a hand of support to these businesses to rebuild themselves. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy recently told Mike Tyson how he raised USD 40 million for small businesses.

Portnoy was speaking at the ‘Hotboxin with Mike Tyson’ podcast hosted by Tyson. Moreover, Sebastian Joseph Day was also present as the co-host for the episode. In conversation, Day asked him, “Let’s talk about what you’ve been doing in the community. I know you had this awesome fund giving back to local businesses.”

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In response, Portnoy spoke about introducing a fund that helps small businesses. He said, “So during Covid, we started the Barstool fund. Which essentially it was. We’re trying to find companies that need help. You know their bills, pay their staff whatever it may be, because you couldn’t have customers. So it was for small businesses, whether it was bars, restaurants, laundromats, you name it.”

In fact, Portnoy revealed they were able to raise an impressive USD 40 million to help the community. Additionally, he also mentioned that Barstool CEO Erica Nardini gave money to many female-led businesses. He added he received massive support from the community for the endeavor.

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Mike Tyson gives back to his community

Mike Tyson is not an individual who will forget his roots. He did not have the best surroundings while growing up. Moreover, the champ also faced abject poverty as a child. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he would do his best to give back to his community.

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Tyson recently started the ‘Mike Tyson Cares‘ foundation. With this program, he aims to help lower-income communities enjoy a better lifestyle. In fact, he even mentioned his vision on the website. Tyson said, “I am a product of poverty, so I identify with the struggles that plague communities that feel hopeless and despair. I want my foundation to support community-based programs and turn hopelessness into hope.”

Tyson and his wife, Kiki Tyson, also started the ‘We 2 Matter‘ foundation to empower female prisoners to rejoin society.

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What do you think of Portnoy’s contribution? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer for EssentiallySports. He started his career as an editorial cartoonist and holds a BFA degree with a specialization in Animated Filmmaking and Screenwriting from AISFM, Hyderabad. An avid lover of boxing history, Joshua believes his writing extends his lifelong adoration for combat sports.

Edited by:

Ajinkya Aswale

Dave Portnoy Tells Mike Tyson How He Raised $40 Million in Funding During Pandemic

Mike Tyson gives back to his community

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