Universa Investments, Blackthorn Racing, And Lionscrest’s Apex Fund Lead The Way In Their Industries

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Universa Investments

Universa Investments, Blackthorn Racing, and Lionscrest’s Apex Fund are leading the way in their respective industries, combining financial expertise, motorsport excellence, and high-value investments to shape the future of both finance and racing. These three entities are pushing boundaries, bringing together cutting-edge financial strategies, precision engineering, and investment opportunities that appeal to a global audience.

Universa Investments has been a leader in risk mitigation since it was established in January 2007 by Chief Investment Officer, Mark Spitznagel. At the heart of its philosophy is the belief that cost-effective risk mitigation helps raise portfolio compound growth rates as a direct consequence of minimizing large drawdowns and by costing much less than alternatives in normal markets.

At Universa Investments’ third-annual Evening at Sea event, hosted with sponsorship from Lionscrest Advisors on January 27th, 2025, Universa’s Distinguished Scientist, Nassim Taleb, highlighted the need for cost-effective risk mitigation, noting that the 17% drop in Nvidia stock price at the start of the week could be the first chip in the glass. “This is the beginning,” he said, “The beginning of an adjustment of people to reality.”

Universa’s strategies focus on maximizing convexity – the degree of portfolio loss protection provided for a given capital allocation, making the firm one of the most respected names in financial risk management. Taleb’s work in probability and uncertainty has had a profound impact on financial markets, influencing how investors approach market fluctuations, black swan events, and economic unpredictability.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Universa Investments

Blackthorn Racing, on the other hand, has established itself as a force in international motorsport. Competing in the Asian Le Mans Series, British GT, and Michelin Le Mans Cup, the team is known for its pursuit of excellence.

As an Aston Martin Racing (AMR) Partner Team, Blackthorn operates a fleet of Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo cars, demonstrating the highest levels of engineering precision, teamwork, and race strategy. Blackthorn founder amateur racing driver Claude Bovet has rapidly led his team of talented motorsport professionals to its place among the top teams in this sphere. 

With the rising popularity of endurance racing and the increasing value of classic and high-performance race cars, teams like Blackthorn are not only competing at the highest levels but also attracting corporate sponsors looking to be part of the world of motorsports. With his investment background as owner of investment firm Lionscrest Advisors, Bovet is positioning Blackthorn and Lionscrest to seize the growing investment opportunities he sees in this industry.  

The combination of elite racing with strategic investment opportunities represents an evolving business model that seeks to capitalize on both competition and financial returns.

Photo Credit: Blackthorn Racing

Lionscrest’s Apex Fund, in collaboration with Blackthorn, is an example of this innovation in investment. The fund is designed to capitalize on the growing market for race cars with historical significance. Over the next 5-10 years, select high-performance race cars are expected to see significant appreciation in value, particularly those that have recently exited sportscar racing’s top tiers.

GTE, LMP1, and LMP2 models, for example, have the potential to become prized assets as they transition into historic racing categories. The Apex Fund targets these high-value vehicles, leveraging industry expertise to identify race cars with strong investment potential.

One of the fund’s key strategies is to acquire vehicles that have competed in legendary events such as Le Mans, Daytona, and Spa. Cars with a successful racing pedigree often become sought-after collector’s items, not just for motorsport enthusiasts but also for investors looking for alternative asset classes with strong potential for growth.

Photo Credit: Blackthorn Racing

As traditional investments like stocks and real estate face increased market uncertainty, tangible assets such as race cars offer a compelling opportunity for investors looking to diversify their portfolios.

Together, Universa Investments, Blackthorn, and Lionscrest’s Apex Fund represent a convergence of finance, motorsport, and high-value investments. Universa continues to lead in financial risk management, providing institutional investors with innovative strategies to navigate economic uncertainty.

Lionscrest and Blackthorn are redefining motorsport, blending elite competition with investment potential, while Lionscrest’s Apex Fund is pioneering a new approach to race car investments, turning performance vehicles into long-term financial assets.

Photo Credit: Blackthorn Racing

The alignment between these industries demonstrates the increasing crossover between finance and sports. Motorsports, once seen as purely a competitive discipline, has evolved into an investment-worthy sector where capital, engineering, and market demand intersect.

Investors are recognizing the potential in race teams, performance cars, and sponsorships, with returns that extend beyond traditional racing wins. As markets evolve and new opportunities emerge, Universa, Blackthorn, and Lionscrest remain at the forefront of their respective fields.

Whether through innovative financial strategies, high-stakes racing, or alternative asset investments, these organizations are shaping the future of finance and motorsports. The growing synergy between financial expertise and motorsport investments underscores the adaptability and vision required to stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape.

Photo Credit: Blackthorn Racing