Founder of The Free Spade Group, and Co-Founder of Free Fenix, Derrick Brown is an investor and connector specializing in growth opportunities at the intersection of the private equity and franchiser worlds. Brown graduated with a dual degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Studies from Xavier University.
Derrick Brown is an investor and connector specializing in growth opportunities at the intersection of the venture capital, franchisor and private equity worlds. Brown graduated with a dual degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Studies from Xavier University, after which he was then selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the National Basketball Association Draft, setting off an 11-year career spanning tenures in both the NBA and the Euroleague.
He also has an MBA degree from Wake Forest University. Brown was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the National Basketball Association Draft, setting off an 11-year career spanning tenures in both the NBA and the Euroleague.
His next move was to serve as the Vice President of ELPA (Euroleague Players' Association) headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, which allowed for a seamless transition to his current leadership role as President and co-founder of Free Fenix, LLC., where Brown and his team have acquired ownership interests in the fast-growing companies Duck Donuts, Salata Salad Kitchen, Clean Juice and Hustle House Fitness.
Derrick's focus, since his days as a professional athlete, has been trained on continuing to build and grow his potential as a businessman and a marketplace visionary, including successful investments in publicly traded and privately held (pre-IPO) venture backed companies Facebook, Uber, Beyond Meat and several others). Much like with his playing days, Derrick is true to Charlotte, but continues to see the business world through a global lens.
The mission of Free Fenix is to enhance lives. With our leadership, we seek to acquire and grow business ventures with integrity, and purpose. We develop a sense of trust with our partners, build a meaningful rapport and bridge the gap between community and industry in ways that drive impact beyond the bottom line.
We were founded on the belief that true success is a result of true freedom. By creating a culture built on big ideas, candid conversations, and breaking barriers, we empower each other to reach higher and achieve more.
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NBA players enjoy their ‘Sanctuary’
Everyone needs a “sanctuary,” and the National Basketball Players Association has one on the Spanish coast.
In what has become part retreat, part performance lab and part pickup game, the league’s union has created an upscale workout destination for European players…Read More
Bitcoin and the Wealthy
Among the better-known individual cryptocurrency enthusiasts is Derrick Brown, a former NBA basketball player. Now chief executive of US venture company Free Fenix, he says he is “an investor first and foremost”…Read More
Salata Salad Kitchen to Open First Charlotte Location
Salata Salad Kitchen, a leading built-to-order salad kitchen, will celebrate the grand opening of its first location in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sept. 30, 2021, with two days of festivities…Read More
Salata to Open Second North Carolina Location in Fall
Salata, a leading built-to-order salad kitchen, has announced its second location in North Carolina, opening at Rea Farms this fall. Located at 9855 Sandy Rock Pl., Charlotte, NC 28277, Salata will join the restaurant lineup at the historic community, serving fresh and healthy meal options with satisfying portions. Charlotte’s first Salata location will open in the Ally Building uptown late this summer…Read More
CBJ Morning Buzz: Doughnut shop with North Carolina roots, big following sold to private equity investors
A doughnut shop that's built a big following since getting its start on North Carolina's Outer Banks is poised for growth after being acquired by private equity investors. NewSpring Franchise announced yesterday it has acquired Duck Donuts — with an assist from a local company with ties to the Charlotte Hornets…Read More
The Bottom Line: NewSpring Invests in Duck Donuts
NewSpring (the “Firm”), a family of private equity strategies, today announced that NewSpring Franchise, the Firm’s newest strategy focused on investing in innovative franchise and multi-unit concepts, has completed the acquisition of Duck Donuts. Free Fenix, a Charlotte, NC-based hybrid investment company, partnered with NewSpring on the deal, providing a significant investment to further accelerate growth…Read More
Salata Salad Kitchen expands footprint with uptown Charlotte location
Salata Salad Kitchen plans to open its first North Carolina location next spring. The Houston-based brand has snagged space in the Ally Charlotte Center in uptown. Free Fenix LLC — partnered with QuietSeven LLC — will operate that location at 615 S. Tryon St…Read More