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Athletic Ventures is a venture capital fund founded in November 2024 by elite athletes Matt de Boer and Matthew Dellavedova, based in Australia. The fund launched its first formal investment vehicle, the Athletic Ventures Champions Fund, with a total capital of $25 million. This fund focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in technology-driven companies that are transforming industries through artificial intelligence, software, and digital infrastructure.
The organization aims to generate financial returns while also providing educational opportunities for athletes, creating a unique blend of investment and community engagement. Athletic Ventures has a current portfolio of 17 high-growth companies, reflecting its commitment to supporting innovative private companies. The firm operates from Australia but invests in both local and global markets, leveraging the competitive mindset of athletes to drive growth and success.
Notable milestones include the establishment of a network of over 500 athletes and mentors across various sporting codes, which provides portfolio companies with unique insights and mentorship opportunities. This athlete-led investment model not only enhances the financial acumen of the athletes involved but also fosters a supportive environment for startups.
Athletic Ventures invests primarily in technology-focused companies that are transforming industries through artificial intelligence, software, and digital infrastructure. The firm prioritizes backing outstanding founders and management teams, particularly those demonstrating evidence of customer satisfaction and attractive financials. They seek companies that show signs of product-market fit and efficient go-to-market strategies, ensuring that their investments are positioned for success in large, global markets.
The sectors of interest include AI, SaaS, healthcare, consumer products, food/agtech, fintech, energy, mobility, logistics, and edtech. Athletic Ventures emphasizes investments in companies that not only have strong financial metrics but also align with their mission of providing educational opportunities for athletes. This dual focus on financial returns and community engagement sets Athletic Ventures apart in the venture capital landscape.
Athletic Ventures has invested in a diverse range of 17 high-growth companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative startups. Notable portfolio companies include:
This diverse portfolio reflects Athletic Ventures' strategy of investing in companies that are not only financially promising but also aligned with their mission of supporting transformative businesses.
Matt de Boer: Co-Founder of Athletic Ventures and former AFL star with the GWS Giants. He brings extensive experience in sports and business to the firm.
Matthew Dellavedova: Co-Founder and former NBA player who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks. His background in professional sports adds a unique perspective to the investment strategy.
Ash McGettigan: Chief Accountant, responsible for finance and operations at Athletic Ventures, ensuring the fund's financial health and operational efficiency.
Cathleen Santoso: Head of Platform, focusing on building relationships with portfolio companies and enhancing their growth through mentorship and resources.
Will O'Connell: Member of the investment team, contributing to deal sourcing and evaluation.
Tim Doyle: CEO of Eucalyptus, providing insights into the health technology sector and supporting portfolio companies in this space.
Laurie Malone: CEO at VALD, bringing expertise in sports technology and performance analytics.
Anna Green: Managing Director & Senior Partner at BCG, offering strategic insights and guidance to portfolio companies.
Tuhin Srivastava: CEO & Co-Founder of Baseten, contributing knowledge in machine learning and technology development.
Tyler Martin: Olympian and founder, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of sports and business.
Luke Buccheri: CFA specializing in strategy, corporate development, and investor relations at Canva, enhancing the firm's investment strategy.
Dixon Wight: Product specialist at BCG X, focusing on product development and innovation.
Vuki Vujasinovic: Founder at Sling & Stone, bringing expertise in communications and brand strategy.
To pitch to Athletic Ventures, founders should use the submission form available on their website. It is essential to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. While specific response time expectations are not disclosed, founders can anticipate a thorough review process given the firm's commitment to supporting innovative companies.
Warm introductions are preferred, especially from individuals within the Athletic Ventures network or from other investors. This can enhance the chances of securing a meeting and receiving feedback on the pitch.
Athletic Ventures offers the AV College, an educational hub designed specifically for athletes. This program provides expert-led courses and resources focused on business, investing, and career transition. The AV College includes various pathways such as AV College, AV Campus, and AV College+, each offering different levels of access to courses and mentorship.
These programs aim to enhance the financial literacy and business acumen of athletes, preparing them for successful careers both during and after their athletic pursuits.
In November 2024, Athletic Ventures launched its first formal fund, the Athletic Ventures Champions Fund, closing at $25 million. This fund focuses on early-stage investments in technology and consumer businesses, with a current portfolio of 17 high-growth companies.
Recent activity includes ongoing investments in innovative private companies, reflecting the firm's commitment to supporting transformative businesses. The firm has been actively engaging with its network of over 500 athletes and mentors to provide unique insights and mentorship to portfolio companies.
What are Athletic Ventures' investment criteria?
Athletic Ventures focuses on technology-driven companies that demonstrate strong founders, customer satisfaction, and attractive financials. They prioritize investments in sectors such as AI, SaaS, healthcare, and consumer products.
How can I apply or pitch to Athletic Ventures?
Founders can submit their pitch through the submission form available on the Athletic Ventures website. It is recommended to include detailed information about the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Athletic Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
The unique aspect of Athletic Ventures is its athlete-led investment model, which combines the competitive mindset and networks of elite athletes with a focus on technology-driven innovation. This approach not only enhances investment insights but also provides educational opportunities for athletes.
What is the geographic scope of Athletic Ventures?
Athletic Ventures primarily invests in Australia but is open to opportunities in global markets, leveraging its network of athletes and mentors to identify promising startups.
What is the fund size and check size range?
The Athletic Ventures Champions Fund has a total capital of $25 million. While specific check sizes are not disclosed, the fund focuses on early-stage investments, typically in Series A and beyond.
What kind of post-investment involvement can portfolio companies expect?
Athletic Ventures provides access to a network of over 500 athletes and mentors, offering unique insights, mentorship, and potential partnership opportunities. They emphasize financial education for athletes, enhancing their understanding of investment and business.
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