Finance Expert Turned Tech Genius Becomes Connecticut’s First Black Majority Owner Of A Pro Sports Team

Tech entrepreneur Andre Swanston has become Connecticut’s first Black majority owner of a professional sports team.

Meet Andre Swanston

Swanston’s path to this milestone is a testament to his relentless work ethic, instilled by his father, an immigrant from St. Kitts and Nevis.

Swanston ventured into the financial sector after obtaining a finance degree from La Salle University and a business degree from the University of Connecticut.

He held positions at companies such as Ameriprise Financial and JPMorgan Chase & Co. However, his ambitions extended beyond the financial world.

During the early 2000s, Swanston ventured into owning nightclubs and restaurants. During this period, he identified a pivotal shift in advertising effectiveness, moving towards streaming radio and digital platforms. 

This observation laid the groundwork for his foray into the tech industry, leading to the foundation of Tru Optik in 2013.

Tru Optik

Tru Optik emerged as a groundbreaking platform in the over-the-top (OTT) media services and connected TV space, offering an integrated data management and marketing attribution system.

Under Swanston’s leadership, the company achieved extraordinary growth, evidenced by its patented household graph technology, which revolutionized how advertisers target individual households. 

This innovation propelled Tru Optik to significant heights, recording over 600% annual growth in its data management platform and encompassing over 80 million homes in the U.S.

The success of Tru Optik culminated in a nine-figure acquisition by TransUnion in 2020. Post-acquisition, Swanston continued to push boundaries, exploring new ventures, including his role as chairman and CEO of Swanston Labs.

The First Black Majority Owner

Swanston’s latest achievement in becoming the first Black majority owner of a pro sports team in Bridgeport, Connecticut, marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. 

According to AfroTech, he is now spearheading the MLS Next Pro franchise, CT United, with plans to develop a stadium, hotel, affordable housing, and a free youth academy.

This move signifies a significant milestone for diversity in sports ownership and reflects Swanston’s commitment to community development and empowerment.