The world of venture capital was disrupted this morning with the announcement of an unlikely tag team comprised of brain researcher, tech entrepreneur, and CSQ Visionary Jeff Stibel of Dun & Bradstreet and his partner in crime, former NBA All Star and Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant.
As they rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange Monday morning, Bryant and Stibel unveiled a new $100 million venture capital find which they told The Wall Street Journal would be used to invest in media, technology, and data companies.
Though the partnership may seem unorthodox, Bryant and Stibel have quite a bit in common – notably drive and determination to be the best. As they told The Wall Street Journal, since meeting through a mutual friend in 2013 they have invested in 15 companies – including LegalZoom, the Derek Jeter-founded website The Players’ Tribute, and Juicero.
Bryant built a career and reputation by being one of basketball’s hardest workers and fiercest competitors, a mentality that has quickly translated to the business and investing world as billionaire entrepreneur and investor Chris Sacca told Bill Simmons on a podcast earlier this year that Bryant brings that same obsession and work ethic into learning about tech companies, startups, and the business world.
With Stibel’s entrepreneurial expertise, Bryant’s creative juices, and their combined personal rolodex’s – the impact and investments made by Bryant Stibel are worth keeping an eye on.
For more information on the plans Bryant Stibel have laid out, visit csqsummit.com to request access to the CSQ Visionaries Summit on September 20 where you can hear Jeff Stibel speak on this topic and much more.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Bernstein, NBA Entertainment
