History of Matt Higgins (businessman) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 17, 2026

Matt Higgins is an American entrepreneur, author, and media executive. He is the co-founder and CEO of RSE Ventures, a private investment firm with a focus on sports, entertainment, media, and technology. Higgins co-founded RSE with Stephen M. Ross and served as Vice Chairman of the Miami Dolphins. He also co-founded Performance Drone Works (PDW). His book, *Burn the Boats*, became a Wall Street Journal Bestseller in 2023, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in business and media.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1974: Birth of Matt Higgins

In 1974, Matt Higgins was born. He is an American entrepreneur, author, media executive, and the co-founder and CEO of RSE Ventures.

2001: Managing Media Response to 9/11 Attacks

In 2001, as press secretary under Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, Higgins managed the global media response to the September 11 attacks for New York City.

2002: Juris Doctor from Fordham University

In 2002, Higgins received a juris doctor from the Fordham University School of Law.

2004: Joins the New York Jets

In 2004, Higgins joined the New York Jets, eventually becoming the executive vice president of business operations and a close advisor to Jets owner Woody Johnson until 2012.

2005: Comparison to David Foster Wallace Speech

In 2019, Paul Goldberger compared Matt Higgins' commencement speech to David Foster Wallace’s speech at Kenyon College commencement in 2005.

2007: Testicular Cancer Treatment

In 2007, Higgins successfully treated testicular cancer.

2007: Crain's New York Recognition

In 2007, Higgins was recognized by Crain's New York as one of the top 40 executives under 40 in New York.

2008: Milk Bar Launched as Part of Momofuku

In 2008, Milk Bar was launched as part of Momofuku.

2011: Ran ING Marathon

In 2011, Higgins ran the ING marathon to raise money for autism.

2012: Vice Chairman of Miami Dolphins

From 2012 to 2021, Higgins served as the vice chairman of the Miami Dolphins, advising owner Stephen M. Ross.

2012: Co-founding RSE Ventures and Vice Chairman of Miami Dolphins

In 2012, Matt Higgins co-founded RSE Ventures with Stephen M. Ross and became the Vice Chairman of the Miami Dolphins, serving in that role until 2021.

2014: Formation of VaynerRSE

In 2014, RSE Ventures partnered with Gary Vaynerchuk to form VaynerRSE, a $25 million seed fund and incubator.

2015: Forbes Lists RSE Ventures

In 2015, Forbes listed RSE Ventures as one of the 10 best organizations to work for in sports.

2016: RSE Ventures Stake in Momofuku

In 2016, Matt Higgins negotiated a deal for RSE Ventures to become a minority stakeholder in Momofuku.

February 2017: RSE Ventures Companies Named to Fast Company List

In February 2017, RSE Ventures portfolio companies Resy and Drone Racing League were named to Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies list.

2017: RSE Ventures Funding of Milk Bar and &pizza Expansion

In 2017, Matt Higgins negotiated RSE Ventures' funding of Milk Bar, which was launched in 2008 as part of Momofuku, and &pizza's national expansion.

2018: Appearance on Shark Tank

Beginning in 2018, Higgins has appeared as a guest investor on the series Shark Tank.

2018: RSE Ventures Acquires SkOUT Secure Intelligence and Stake in Bluestone Lane

In 2018, RSE Ventures acquired cybersecurity company SkOUT Secure Intelligence and a significant minority stake in Australian-style coffee and café business Bluestone Lane.

2018: &pizza Named to Fast Company List

In 2018, RSE Ventures portfolio company &pizza was named to Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies list.

2019: Queens College Commencement Address and Scholarship

In 2019, Higgins delivered the commencement address at his alma mater Queens College, where he established the Linda Higgins Empowerment Scholarship to help support single parents in obtaining college degrees.

2019: Awarded Ellis Island Medal of Honor

In 2019, Higgins was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, recognizing individuals for their contributions and generosity.

2019: American Express Acquisition of Resy

In 2019, the restaurant reservation app Resy, which RSE Ventures incubated and invested in, was acquired by American Express.

2020: RSE Ventures Acquires Magnolia Bakery

In 2020, Matt Higgins led the investment for RSE Ventures to take full ownership of Magnolia Bakery.

2021: End of Vice Chairman of Miami Dolphins

From 2012 to 2021, Higgins served as the vice chairman of the Miami Dolphins, ending his post in 2021.

2022: BerlinRosen Acquires Derris

In 2022, the public relations firm Derris, which was part of RSE's portfolio, was acquired by BerlinRosen.

January 2023: Co-founding VaynerWatt

In January 2023, Matt Higgins co-founded VaynerWatt, a content production company, with Gary Vaynerchuk and Eric Wattenberg.

2023: Publication of 'Burn the Boats'

In 2023, Matt Higgins' first book, 'Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential', was published by William Morrow and became a Wall Street Journal Bestseller.