Giannis Antetokounmpo, a current Milwaukee Bucks and NBA champion, has established a new venture capital firm, BYL Ventures, which aims to invest in sports, media, and technology. The firm is dedicated to driving innovation in the sports, entertainment, and consumer product sectors.
Build Your Legacy (BYL) Ventures is Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family’s only investment arm, which demonstrates their commitment to quality over quantity.
Announcement of Firm
On November 21, 2024, the NBA star announced the new firm himself and highlighted BYL Ventures’ focus on early-stage investments. They hope to connect true innovators with investors who can grow their ideas and make changes in the sports and entertainment industries.
BYL Ventures is a unique platform because it connects industry leaders and investors directly with early founders.
Goals for BYL Ventures
The venture firm’s primary focus targets the sports, entertainment, media, intellectual property, and consumer sectors. They hope to transform sports-watching from the game itself to its broadcasting and direct fan interactions online.
BYL Ventures is backed directly by the Antetokounmpo family’s growing business empire and extensive networks, which have direct connections to the NBA and other influential connections within the entertainment industry. Antetokounmpo has experience as an investor from the Milwaukee Brewers to Nashville SC and LA Golf Club, along with the launching of Improbable Media.
The new company wants to provide direct support to entrepreneurs who can impact sports entertainment. BYL Ventures provides the capital, mentorship, and strategic connections—all of which are vital for a new and growing company.
The firm explicitly seeks out entrepreneurs who have bold, innovative ideas and a vision for actual industry-wide change.
Key Figures in BYL Ventures
As the founder, Antetokounmpo, says, “I’m incredibly energized to launch BYL Ventures as a way to give back and support the next generation of visionaries.”
“This fund is not just about capital; it’s about forging partnerships and opening my network to accelerate the growth trajectory for companies. I want to help other entrepreneurs, especially those who have faced barriers, to grow and succeed. BYL Ventures will be focused on finding people with big dreams and helping them make those dreams a reality,” he adds.
Antetokounmpo’s business partner, Tashi Nakanishi, says, “BYL Ventures is built to support the next wave of innovative startups in multiple high-growth categories. Giannis brings an unmatched combination of global reach, acumen, and a commitment to empowering diverse entrepreneurs.” The two partners value unique perspectives when creating business ideas.
“BYL Ventures will be a powerful force for founders who want to redefine industries and make a lasting impact,” adds Nakanishi, who is the general partner of BYL Ventures and a co-founder, CEO, and general partner at several other venture capital firms.
Initial Investments and Projects
BYL Ventures has already started giving capital to creative founders. Its first round of funding included two seed investments. One was given to Unrivaled, a professional 3v3 women’s basketball league.
“Since Giannis and the Antetokounmpos joined the Candy Funhouse team last year, they have helped accelerate our business to new heights,” said the CEO of Candy Funhouse, Jamal Hejazi. “Through their strong connections, expansive platform, and unique understanding of content that resonates with communities across verticals, they have helped us spread joy and positivity to a vast, new audience,” he added.
Broader Impact
BYL Ventures reflects Antetokounmpo’s commitment to making an impact beyond his career in basketball. His investments go beyond the sports industry, and he hopes to change businesses in varying sectors.
Giannis Antetokounmpo uses a hands-on approach to mentorship to guide his investments. His personalized strategies allow these startups to refine their market approaches and become scalable.
The new venture capital firm helps break down barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs to leave a lasting legacy of innovative efforts worldwide. BYL Ventures hopes to continue promoting diverse entrepreneurial talents.
