NBA Champion Kyle Kuzma Aims to Bring Team Mentality to Scrum Ventures

As the Washington Wizards’ forward and a 2020 NBA champion, Kyle Kuzma is known for his exceptional basketball skills. However, this athlete has another string to his bow – he is also a style icon, angel investor, and now an adviser at a venture fund.

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A New Generation of the NBA

"I’m part of a new generation of the NBA," Kuzma told TechCrunch in a phone interview. "For me, I’ve always been a hustler and somebody that is very interested in business and doing things just to set up my family’s generational wealth. I think getting into venture is only going to take that to a different stratosphere."

At 28 years old, Kuzma has taken the next step in his career by joining early-stage-focused Scrum Ventures as an adviser. The firm’s sports and entertainment fund aims to raise $120 million and targets tech companies that could be useful to athletes or enterprise sports customers.

A Mutual Understanding

Kuzma’s partnership with Scrum began in January when his agent, Austin Eastman, was connected to Scrum managing director and partner Michael Proman. Kuzma said he was impressed by the team at Scrum, while Proman acknowledged that it took some time for him to understand the extent of Kuzma’s interests in venture capital.

"The thing about Kyle is, I personally didn’t really even understand how extensive his interests were in the venture space until after getting introduced," Proman said. "Kyle is really interested in understanding the venture playbook but more so from the venture side."

A Broad Approach to Sports Tech

Scrum’s sports fund focuses on tech that could be useful to athletes or enterprise sports customers and has applications beyond professional sports. Ozlo Sleepbuds, a company that makes earbuds to help people sleep better, is an example of this approach. Scrum participated in the company’s $6 million seed round earlier this year.

Proman said Kuzma’s diverse investment portfolio made him a good fit for the firm. As an angel investor since 2020, Kuzma has invested in companies like soda alternative Lemon Perfect (which has raised an additional $67.8 million in venture capital), consumer data company Surf, and watch marketplace Bezel.

"His investment portfolio is pretty diverse; it’s not just your classic sports tech," Proman said. "He’s got a good understanding of what’s going on in the industry."

A Strategic Move

Kuzma’s decision to join Scrum Ventures as an adviser marks a strategic move for both parties. The firm gains from Kuzma’s expertise and network, while Kuzma gets exposure to new opportunities and experiences.

"It’s not just about investing; it’s about being part of the ecosystem," Kuzma said. "I want to learn more about venture capital and be involved in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs."

The Future of Venture Capital

As an adviser at Scrum Ventures, Kuzma will play a crucial role in identifying promising startups and investing in companies that align with the firm’s vision.

With his unique blend of basketball expertise and business acumen, Kuzma is poised to make a significant impact on the venture capital scene. As he continues to grow as an investor and entrepreneur, it’s clear that his future in venture capital is bright.

The Road Ahead

As Kuzma embarks on this new chapter in his career, he will undoubtedly face challenges and learn from experiences. However, with a strong network and expertise, he is well-equipped to navigate the complex world of venture capital.

"I’m excited about the future," Kuzma said. "I want to be part of something bigger than myself and help create opportunities for others."

As an NBA champion, style icon, angel investor, and now adviser at a venture fund, Kyle Kuzma has established himself as a multifaceted individual with a diverse set of skills. With his passion for business and entrepreneurship, he is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of venture capital.

About Scrum Ventures

Scrum Ventures is an early-stage-focused investment firm that targets tech companies with potential for high growth and scalability. The firm’s sports and entertainment fund aims to raise $120 million and invests in startups with applications beyond professional sports.