SeventySix Capital, a sports tech venture capital fund led by former MLB superstar Ryan Howard, has welcomed NFL legend Brian Westbrook as an investor at its Athlete Venture Group. Westbrook joins a growing team of athlete investors at the firm, including Howard, DeMarco Murray and Ralph Sampson. The Athlete Venture Group allows players to invest, learn, and work directly with top sports tech startups and entrepreneurs.
As a group member, Westbrook will work hands-on with the company’s current sports tech fund, enabling more athletes to work with exciting startups in esports, sports betting, data collection, data analytics, media and more. SeventySix Capital’s active portfolio includes Whistle Sports, ShotTracker, N3rd Street Gamers, VSiN, Swish Analytics and Play by Play Sports Broadcasting.
“I’m excited to continue my efforts in the business world with SeventySix Capital and their Athlete Venture Group,” said Westbrook. “As a dedicated host, philanthropist and businessperson, the SeventySix Capital team and their portfolio of startup companies is the perfect fit for me.”
Westbrook, a Walter Payton Award winner, was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002 and went on to become a two-time pro bowler. Over the span of his nine-year NFL career, he reached over 6,000 rushing yards and nearly 4,000 receiving yards. In 2015 and 2018 respectively, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. He is currently a broadcaster on DIRECTV’s Fantasy Zone and radio host on 97.5 The Fanatic.
“I’m happy to welcome Brian on our team at SeventySix Capital,” Howard commented. “Having another NFL legend on the team is huge for the momentum of our Athlete Venture Group. He’s another person who fits our philosophy of bringing together passionate, smart and nice people with a passion to make a difference in the world.”
“Together, SeventySix Capital and our sports marketing partners at Rubicon Talent have created the platform for athletes to leverage their financial and social capital,” Kimmel said, “We’re introducing opportunities to athletes and entrepreneurs that are mutually beneficial. Athletes can use and grow their network while providing an unfair advantage to help startups differentiate themselves. We’re looking forward to adding more top talent like Brian to our championship team.”
