Michael G. Rubin

Michael G. Rubin is a successful business magnate, philanthropist, and entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark in the e-commerce and technology industries. His keen business acumen and vision have enabled him to create several notable companies, including Fanatics, GSI Commerce, and Kynetic. Through these companies, Michael has transformed the way we shop, communicate, and interact in the digital age.

Born in 1972 in Greater Philadelphia, Michael began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 13 rubin-2″ title=”Dave Rubin”>rubin-2″ title=”Dave Rubin”>when he launched a ski-tuning business. He later attended Villanova University, where he pursued a degree in business administration. While in college, Michael founded Starters Corporation, a multi-million-dollar licensed sportswear manufacturer. Starters became a major supplier of merchandise to professional sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB.

After selling Starters to Nike in 1999 for $300 million, Michael founded GSI Commerce, an e-commerce firm that provided online retail solutions to brands and retailers. Through GSI, Michael created a new business model that integrated digital marketing, customer service, and supply chain management. The company grew rapidly and went public in 2006, generating over $1 billion in revenues. In 2011, eBay acquired GSI for $2.4 billion, marking one of the largest e-commerce transactions at the time.

Shortly after the sale of GSI, Michael founded Kynetic, a private holding company that invests in consumer internet businesses. Kynetic owns several notable brands, including Rue La La, a flash-sale fashion retailer, and ShopRunner, a subscription-based e-commerce platform. Kynetic also owns the majority stake in Fanatics, a leading licensed sports merchandise retailer, where Michael serves as the executive chairman.

Under Michael’s leadership, Fanatics has grown rapidly, leveraging its proprietary technology platform to offer a seamless shopping experience for sports fans worldwide. The company now operates over 300 online and offline stores, selling licensed merchandise for major sports leagues and teams, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. In 2020, Fanatics entered the esports market, partnering with leagues and teams to sell merchandise and apparel for gaming enthusiasts.

Apart from his entrepreneurial pursuits, Michael is also a committed philanthropist who supports various causes, including health, education, and youth empowerment. In 2009, he founded the Kynetic Impact Fund, a charitable foundation that invests in community-based organizations and social enterprises. The fund has supported numerous initiatives, from providing healthcare services to underserved populations to funding innovation and entrepreneurship programs for underprivileged youth.

In recognition of his business acumen and philanthropic efforts, Michael has received several awards and accolades. He was named Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013 and was inducted into the World Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in 2017. He has also been featured in notable publications, including Forbes, Fortune, and The Wall Street Journal, where he shares insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.

Michael G. Rubin’s legacy in the e-commerce industry is one of innovation, disruption, and growth. Through his companies, he has reinvented the way we buy and sell goods online, and his philanthropy has helped transform the lives of many communities worldwide. As he continues to lead Fanatics and Kynetic, Michael’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision will undoubtedly shape the future of the e-commerce world.