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Will Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2020, focusing on category-defining businesses in the sports, entertainment, and consumer industries. The firm is based in the United States and was established by a team of entrepreneurs and former athletes, including co-founders Brian Reilly and Isaiah Kacyvenski. Will Ventures has grown its assets under management (AUM) to approximately $215 million, including special purpose vehicles (SPVs), and has successfully closed two funds, with the second fund totaling $150 million in October 2022.
The firm operates with a deliberate investment strategy, targeting 20 to 25 companies per fund. This approach allows for a slow and intentional construction of its portfolio, ensuring that each investment aligns with their focus on high-growth technology and consumer businesses that leverage sports relationships. Will Ventures has made a total of 37 investments across 26 portfolio companies, showcasing its active role in the venture capital landscape.
Will Ventures primarily invests in seed and Series A stages, concentrating on high-growth technology and consumer businesses that benefit from sports relationships. The firm emphasizes a unique investment thesis that spans two verticals: human performance and media & entertainment. In the human performance sector, Will Ventures targets companies involved in connected fitness, nutrition, and telehealth, which enhance the performance of athletes and consumers alike.
In the media & entertainment space, the firm looks for opportunities in esports, online gaming, mixed reality, streaming, and advertising technology. Will Ventures seeks to partner with innovative companies that are defining their categories and have the potential to lead their respective markets. The average round size for investments is approximately $8 million, reflecting the firm's commitment to supporting businesses that align with its strategic focus.
Will Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 26 companies, showcasing its commitment to investing in innovative businesses within the sports, entertainment, and consumer sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Will Ventures' strategy of investing in companies that leverage sports relationships and enhance human performance, aligning with their overall investment thesis.
Aaron Miller - Principal at Will Ventures, Aaron has a background in entrepreneurship and investment, contributing to the firm's strategic direction.
Alexis Scalise - VP of Operations and Investor Relations, Alexis plays a key role in managing the firm's operations and investor communications.
Ben Gardner - Partner, Ben brings extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities.
Brian Reilly - Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Brian is a former Harvard football player and has a strong background in entrepreneurship and investment.
Isaiah Kacyvenski - Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Isaiah is a former NFL player with experience in venture capital and sports-related investments.
Jacob Westphal - Portfolio Lead, Jacob oversees the firm's portfolio management and supports portfolio companies in their growth efforts.
Kelsie Mayo - VP of Finance, Kelsie manages the financial operations of the firm, ensuring sound financial practices.
Kushaan Ahuja - Partner, Kushaan has previously led venture and growth investments at Endeavor and TKO, focusing on Consumer AI, Creator Economy, and Sports.
Lisa Romano - Executive Assistant, Lisa supports the firm's operations and assists the team in various administrative capacities.
Yash Gupta - Investor, Yash contributes to the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
To pitch to Will Ventures, founders should visit their website at Will Ventures for detailed instructions on the application process. The firm prefers direct outreach through their contact page. In the pitch deck, it is important to include information about the startup's market opportunity, business model, and how it leverages sports relationships.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Will Ventures values warm introductions, so leveraging connections within their network can enhance the chances of securing a meeting.
In October 2022, Will Ventures successfully closed its second fund at $150 million, tripling the size of its first fund. This fund is actively deploying capital into seed and Series A investments, focusing on high-growth technology and consumer businesses.
As of 2023, Will Ventures has made a total of 37 investments across 26 portfolio companies, indicating ongoing activity in the venture capital space. The firm continues to leverage its unique community of athlete backers to support its portfolio companies and enhance their market presence.
What are the investment criteria for Will Ventures?
Will Ventures focuses on high-growth technology and consumer businesses, particularly those that leverage sports relationships. The firm primarily invests in seed and Series A stages, targeting companies that are defining their categories in the sports, entertainment, and consumer sectors.
How can I apply or pitch to Will Ventures?
Founders interested in pitching to Will Ventures can visit their website at Will Ventures for more information on the application process. The firm encourages direct outreach through their contact page.
What makes Will Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
Will Ventures distinguishes itself through its unique community of athlete backers, who provide portfolio companies with brand exposure, early adopter traction, and promotional support. This community acts as a go-to-market lever for consumer and wellness brands, enhancing their market presence.
What is the geographic scope of Will Ventures' investments?
The firm is based in the United States and primarily invests in companies located within the country. However, they may consider opportunities that align with their investment thesis in other regions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Will Ventures typically invests in rounds averaging around $8 million, reflecting their strategy of supporting high-growth companies at the seed and Series A stages.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Will Ventures have?
Will Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies, leveraging its network of athlete backers to provide ongoing support, mentorship, and promotional opportunities. This involvement helps companies gain traction and navigate the challenges of growth.
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