COSMO DeNICOLA
An entrepreneur, competitor, mentor, and family man, Cosmo DeNicola is truly a man of many hats. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Cosmo says he always knew that he was different.
“I saw the world with clarity,” he says. “I’ve always had more of an awareness.”
That sense of awareness created a self-made businessman and serial entrepreneur.
“I know how to grow businesses. I’ve proven it. It's my passion. But at my core, I enjoy the competition and the process. I enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.”
THE ENTREPRENEUR
As a global business leader and 40-year entrepreneur, Cosmo has founded 7 businesses, acquired 10 companies, took a business public, and sold 7 companies to private equity and publicly traded, global companies. Cosmo has experience managing a diverse portfolio of businesses serving 17 countries including technology, healthcare, entertainment, media and professional football while actively managing humanitarian initiatives that impact positive, global change.
THE COMPETITOR
Cosmo’s entrepreneurial success can be credited to his competitive nature.
"I am a competitor at heart," he says. "I want to win, have fun, and help people."
"Economic success is kind of fun, but I love winning." "To win in business is to have great teammates, a good market, a great product, and loyal customers. I'm competing -- and that's what fulfills me."
Through his fearless pursuit to win, Cosmo has become involved in an array of industries. One of his biggest passions; however, is within the world of sports and entertainment. That passion became a reality in 2006 when Cosmo entered Arena Football. Through his ownership, Cosmo built relationships within the professional football community. During Cosmo's 13 season tenure as an owner, his teams captured six Conference Championships and two World Championships.
Cosmo entered the world of entertainment in 2011, launching MKS&D, a Hollywood talent management firm that had managed actors in film, television and theatre for 30 years. Clients under management include hundreds of actors, including a Tony Award winner and Grammy nominated artists.
In the fall of 2014, Cosmo announced a new partnership with iconic sports agent, Leigh Steinberg and his sports agency, Steinberg Sports and Entertainment (SS&E). Jointly creating the Steinberg / DeNicola Humanitarian Awards.
In 2023 Cosmo Partnered with Super Agent Chris Cabot and Ron Burkle's Yucaipa Investment firm to form Equity Sports, a full - service athlete representation and talent management firm.
THE PHILANTHROPIST
"Above all else, I feel like I have a wealth of experience and knowledge, and I want to share that with people in my life," says Cosmo. "I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can be a positive influence in their life, and guide them on a successful path."
Cosmo continues, "Time is the most precious and difficult thing to give. Lending your name or writing a check is one thing, but at the end of the day, all people really want and need is your time and attention."
In addition to mentoring, Cosmo makes it a priority to give back to both his local and global community. Cosmo serves on the board of the Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI), a prestigious, non-profit organization comprised of innovative, successful entrepreneurs who work in tandem with the United Nations to implement large-scale humanitarian projects for under-developed countries. In 2021 Cosmo along with his wife Janet established the DeNicola Family Foundation. The Global Foundation's 4 passions (Cultural Diplomacy, Humanitarian Recognition, World Health & Conservation) are managed by its Executive Director Morgan DeNicola.
