Athletes With Their Own Venture Capital Firms: Changing the Game.
In the world of professional sports, the game has evolved far beyond the boundaries of the field or the court. Athletes are now not only valuable assets to their respective teams but also shrewd entrepreneurs, wielding capital, clout, and expertise to back early-stage companies. They're rewriting the narrative, shifting from the stereotype of the bankrupt former athlete to becoming architects of generational wealth. The goalposts have indeed shifted from merely looking rich to genuinely being wealthy.
The convergence of technology and sports has created a sweet spot for pro athletes, placing them at the intersection of multiple billion-dollar industries. They are not just endorsing brands; they are building them. Here are some of the standout athlete-venture capitalists who are making waves in the business world:
1. Chris Smalling - ForGood: Founded in 2021 by Chris Smalling, Rebecca Wheeler, and Sebastiano Castignoli, ForGood is dedicated to scaling ideas that can build a better future. Smalling's entry into venture capitalism shows the desire of athletes to make a positive impact beyond the sports arena.
2. Pau Gasol - Gasol16 Ventures: Pau Gasol, the NBA star and now an advisor, investor, and activist, is directing his focus towards sports, wellness, and entrepreneurship projects. Gasol16 Ventures demonstrates his dedication to improving lives and opportunities.
3. Blaise Matuidi - Origins: Blaise Matuidi has joined the ranks of a new type of VC firm, Origins, which backs legendary consumer founders. His involvement in the business world adds a new dimension to the stereotype of athletes only focused on their sport.
4. Kevin Durant - 35 Ventures: Kevin Durant's partnership with Rich Kleiman resulted in the birth of Thirty Five Ventures. Their focus primarily lies in media and tech investments, revealing the superstar's vision beyond the basketball court and into the tech-savvy future.
5. Serena Williams - Serena Ventures: Serena Williams, arguably one of the greatest athletes of all time, launched Serena Ventures in 2014. Since then, she has supported over 50 companies. Her firm is a testament to her commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and investing in innovative businesses.
6. Lance Armstrong - Next Ventures: Despite the controversies that marred his cycling career, Lance Armstrong has refocused his energy into NEXT VENTŪRES. Alongside Lionel Conacher, he invests in companies dedicated to optimizing human performance, showing that even former athletes can pivot towards better paths.
7. James Harden - 13 Endeavors: James Harden, known for his prowess on the basketball court, ventured into soccer with a minority stake in the Houston Dynamo MLS team through his firm, 13 Endeavors. He is bridging sports communities and expanding his portfolio beyond the NBA.
8. Alex Rodriguez - A-Rod Corp: Alex Rodriguez, a former baseball legend, has found his niche in health and fitness brands through A-Rod Corp. Brands like hims, Super Coffee, Iris Nova, and Fitplan have all benefited from his financial acumen.
9. Stephen Curry - Penny Jar Capital: Stephen Curry, renowned for his three-pointers, established Penny Jar in 2020. This early-stage venture capital firm reflects his commitment to nurturing promising businesses, showing that Curry's vision extends far beyond the basketball court.
10. Aaron Rodgers - Rx3 Growth Partners: Aaron Rodgers has become a driving force in the world of venture capitalism. He teamed up with Nate Raabe and Byron Roth in 2019 to form Rx3 Growth Partners. So far, the firm has raised an impressive $50 million to invest in consumer brands, showing that Rodgers can lead both on and off the football field.
These athletes turned venture capitalists are not merely chasing trends or investing for the sake of it. They are creating a lasting legacy, supporting the next generation of innovators, and playing a pivotal role in shaping the world's future. Their entrepreneurial spirit underscores the idea that today's athletes are not just valuable assets; they are also valuable contributors to the global business landscape. As technology and sports continue to converge, we can only expect more athletes to enter this exciting arena, rewriting the playbook for success.