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51Ventures is a venture capital firm that specializes in providing capital to early-stage and mid-stage companies. Founded by Chris Wilkerson, a former NFL long snapper and two-time founder, the firm is based in the United States and focuses on sectors such as sports technology, health and performance, and consumer brands. The firm leverages its extensive network and operational experience to assist portfolio companies in scaling effectively.
Currently, 51Ventures manages a diverse portfolio of over 12 companies, including notable names like Aston Martin F1. The firm employs a team of experienced professionals, including former athletes and venture-backed executives, to provide hands-on support beyond just capital. Their investment strategies encompass venture capital, private credit, and consumer packaged goods financing, allowing them to cater to a wide range of funding needs.
51Ventures invests primarily in early-stage founders and mid-stage companies across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on sports tech, health and performance, and consumer brands. Their investment strategies include venture capital investments ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, targeting pre-seed to Series A stages. For mid-stage companies, they offer private credit solutions with investments ranging from $50,000 to $10 million, enabling growth without equity dilution.
Additionally, 51Ventures provides non-dilutive consumer packaged goods (CPG) financing, with check sizes from $10,000 to $8 million, addressing cash flow needs for consumer brands. Their 51 Playbook program is designed to assist early-stage startups with operational guidance, including fundraising, product development, and marketing support, ensuring that portfolio companies have the resources they need to succeed.
51Ventures boasts a diverse portfolio of over 12 companies, showcasing its commitment to the sports, health, and consumer sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Chris Wilkerson - Managing Partner. Chris is a former NFL long snapper and a two-time founder with successful exits. He brings a wealth of experience in both sports and entrepreneurship.
Natalie Dunn - Partner. Natalie has a strong background in sports and health technology, having worked as a venture-backed executive in the industry.
Roger Bernardino - Head of Platform. Roger is a former founder with expertise in consumer packaged goods investments, providing valuable insights to portfolio companies.
Josh Staph - Partner. Josh is a former Division 1 football player with over 15 years of experience in sports performance, contributing to the firm's focus on athletic ventures.
Travis Lubinsky - Partner & Director of 51 Playbook. Travis is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Flex Watches, bringing operational expertise to the firm's advisory program.
To pitch to 51Ventures, founders should utilize the submission form available on their website. It is advisable to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and financial projections. While specific response time expectations are not detailed, founders should anticipate a thorough review process.
Warm introductions are not explicitly required, but they can enhance the chances of receiving attention from the firm. Founders are encouraged to present a clear and compelling narrative that aligns with 51Ventures' investment focus.
51Ventures runs the 51 Playbook program, designed to provide operational support and guidance to early-stage startups. This program focuses on areas such as fundraising, product development, and marketing strategies, ensuring that founders have the resources they need to scale their businesses effectively.
Startups interested in the 51 Playbook program can apply through the 51Ventures website, where they can find more information about eligibility and application procedures.
In recent months, 51Ventures has continued to expand its portfolio, adding innovative companies such as Pison, which specializes in neural interface technology, and SportFX AI, focusing on AI solutions for sports analytics. The firm remains active in the sports tech and consumer sectors, seeking to identify promising startups that align with its investment thesis.
Additionally, 51Ventures has been promoting its 51 Playbook program, which offers operational support to early-stage startups, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development.
What are the investment criteria for 51Ventures?
51Ventures primarily targets early-stage and mid-stage companies in the sports tech, health and performance, and consumer brands sectors. They look for innovative solutions and strong founding teams capable of scaling their businesses effectively.
How can I apply or pitch to 51Ventures?
Interested founders can fill out a submission form available on the 51Ventures website to pitch their ideas and seek investment. Specific email addresses for inquiries are not provided.
What makes 51Ventures different from other investors?
51Ventures differentiates itself through its operator-heavy team, which includes former athletes and serial entrepreneurs. This team provides hands-on support and operational guidance, in addition to capital, ensuring that portfolio companies receive comprehensive assistance.
What is the geographic scope of 51Ventures?
The firm primarily focuses on companies based in the United States, particularly those in the sports tech and consumer sectors. However, they may consider international opportunities that align with their investment thesis.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
While the specific fund size is not publicly disclosed, 51Ventures typically invests between $25,000 and $100,000 in early-stage ventures and offers private credit solutions ranging from $50,000 to $10 million for mid-stage companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Founders can expect significant post-investment involvement from 51Ventures, including access to the 51 Playbook program, which provides operational support in areas such as fundraising, product development, and marketing strategies.
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