Kyle Kuzma, forward for the Washington Wizards and 2020 NBA champion, is expanding his horizons beyond the basketball court. The 28-year-old athlete has recently joined early-stage-focused Scrum Ventures as an adviser, aiming to help with the firm’s sports and entertainment fund, which is targeting $120 million.
In a phone interview with TechCrunch, Kuzma expressed his interest in business and setting up his family’s generational wealth. He sees venturing into the world of venture capital as a way to take his financial goals to a new level. Kuzma’s agent, Austin Eastman, connected him with Scrum managing director and partner Michael Proman, leading to the partnership.
Scrum Ventures’ sports fund focuses on tech that can benefit athletes and enterprise sports customers, as well as other industries. Kuzma’s diverse investment portfolio, which includes companies like Lemon Perfect and Surf, makes him a valuable adviser for the fund. Proman highlighted Kuzma’s competitive nature and experience in working as a team player, traits that are beneficial in the venture capital world.
Kuzma’s involvement with Scrum Ventures has already generated positive interest in the firm, showcasing the potential impact of athletes in the venture capital space. While Kuzma is not the first NBA player to venture into the world of venture capital, his entry signifies a growing trend among athletes diversifying their portfolios.
For Kuzma, joining Scrum Ventures represents a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey. He is eager to expand his reach in the VC world and further diversify his portfolio. As the latest NBA player to make waves in venture capital, Kuzma’s move highlights the evolving landscape of athlete investments beyond the realm of sports.