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KB Partners is a venture capital firm based in suburban Chicago, founded in 1996. The firm initially focused on angel investments before transitioning to traditional venture capital, raising two funds: the KB Partners Myriad Opportunity Fund I and II. Currently, KB Partners manages a total of $127 million in assets under management (AUM), emphasizing early-stage investments primarily in the sports technology sector.
Over the years, KB Partners has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, particularly in the United States. The firm aims to be the first institutional investor in its portfolio companies, providing not only capital but also operational expertise and strategic relationships. This hands-on approach has allowed KB Partners to support its portfolio companies effectively, helping them navigate the complexities of early-stage growth.
KB Partners is located at 600 Central Avenue, Suite 325, Highland Park, Illinois, 60035. The firm continues to seek innovative startups that align with its investment thesis, focusing on the intersection of sports and technology.
KB Partners specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in the sports technology sector. The firm typically invests between $1 million to $3 million initially, with a similar amount reserved for follow-on investments. Their investment strategy emphasizes being the first institutional capital into a business, allowing them to provide significant operational support and strategic guidance.
The primary sectors of interest for KB Partners include gaming, media, and artificial intelligence, with a strong focus on sports technology. Specific areas of investment include sports media, betting, fan engagement, connected fitness, and performance analytics. While the firm has a strong preference for U.S.-based companies, it remains open to compelling opportunities outside this geographic focus.
KB Partners looks for strong founding teams that demonstrate a clear vision and the ability to execute their business plans. The firm values operational experience and seeks to leverage its strategic relationships within the sports and technology sectors to help portfolio companies succeed.
KB Partners has built a diverse portfolio of companies, primarily in the sports technology sector. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these, KB Partners has invested in companies like 3ICE, a mobile-first sports media company, and nVenue, which focuses on micro-betting and predictive sports technology. The firm also supports innovative startups like VOW, which specializes in guest-experience logistics, and StatusPRO, a sports technology company.
Keith Bank: Founder & Managing Partner. Keith has been with KB Partners since its inception in 1996. He has a background as an angel investor and co-founder of MST Analytics. Keith has also served as a principal at Hiffman Shaffer Associates and has held board positions across various KB portfolio companies.
Steve Ahern: Partner. Steve joined KB Partners in 2018 and has held board roles across several companies, including GridRival and FanPower. He has prior experience in investment banking at Citigroup and roles at DISH Network.
Lance Dietz: Partner. Lance also joined in 2018 and has board roles in companies such as ALO and StatusPRO. His previous experience includes investment banking at J.P. Morgan and serving as a U.S. Army engineer officer.
John Garabedian: Partner. John joined as an investor/Venture Partner in Fund I after a senior leadership role at Boston Consulting Group, where he focused on financial services and sports-league growth strategies.
Matt Howard: Principal. Matt supports due diligence, sourcing, fundraising, and investment analysis. He has prior experience in underwriting at Capital One and financial advisory at Merrill Lynch.
To pitch KB Partners, founders can reach out via their contact page at kbpartners.com/contact/ or email info@kbpartners.com. The firm maintains an open pitch policy and reviews submissions on a rolling basis. Founders should include a clear overview of their business model, market opportunity, and team background in their pitch deck.
While there is no formal application form disclosed, KB Partners encourages founders to be concise and direct in their communications. A well-structured pitch deck that outlines the startup's vision, competitive landscape, and financial projections will be beneficial. Founders can expect a timely response, although specific timelines for decisions are not publicly disclosed.
In August 2025, KB Partners was featured in the Sports Business Journal, highlighting their active investments in AI-related sports technology. The firm continues to focus on early-stage companies that leverage artificial intelligence to enhance sports operations and fan engagement.
KB Partners recently closed its second fund, KB Partners Myriad Opportunity Fund II, with a total of $127 million raised, surpassing its initial target of $100 million. This fund will continue to support early-stage investments in the sports technology sector.
What are KB Partners' investment criteria?
KB Partners focuses on early-stage companies at the intersection of sports and technology. They typically invest between $1 million to $3 million initially and reserve a similar amount for follow-on investments. The firm seeks to be the first institutional investor in its portfolio companies.
How can I pitch to KB Partners?
Founders can pitch to KB Partners by visiting their contact page at kbpartners.com/contact/ or by emailing info@kbpartners.com. The firm maintains an open pitch policy and reviews submissions on a rolling basis.
What makes KB Partners different from other venture capital firms?
KB Partners distinguishes itself by being hands-on partners rather than passive investors. They leverage their operational experience and strategic relationships in the sports and technology sectors to help portfolio companies grow and succeed.
What geographic areas does KB Partners focus on?
While KB Partners has a strong preference for U.S.-based companies, they remain open to compelling opportunities outside this geographic focus, particularly in the sports technology sector.
What is the typical decision timeline for investments?
The firm does not disclose a specific decision timeline, but they operate on a rolling application cycle, allowing for timely responses to pitches.
What types of support do portfolio companies receive post-investment?
KB Partners provides operational support, strategic guidance, and access to their network within the sports and technology sectors, helping portfolio companies navigate growth challenges and opportunities.
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