Washington Wizards small forward Kyle Kuzma has expanded his professional endeavors by joining venture capital fund Scrum Ventures as an advisor. This move signifies Kuzma’s foray into the world of finance and technology beyond his NBA career.
Scrum Ventures, a U.S. and Japan-based investing firm, will formally announce the collaboration with Kuzma, who will play a key role in identifying and evaluating new investment opportunities within the sports and entertainment sectors. Kuzma expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, citing the shared vision of leveraging technology to enhance the global sports and entertainment landscape.
Scrum Sports & Entertainment, a $120 million fund established in late 2022, is managed by Michael Proman, a seasoned investing veteran. The fund, backed by some of the country’s largest conglomerates, aims to capitalize on market opportunities in the sports and entertainment industry.
According to Proman, Kuzma’s involvement will provide a diverse network, skillset, and perspective, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of potential investments. Despite not being a voting member of the investment committee, Kuzma’s input is highly valued for its insightful and broad-based worldview.
The collaboration between Kuzma and Scrum Ventures materialized through mutual acquaintances of Kuzma’s agent, Austin Eastman of Be Well Ventures. Kuzma’s interest in venture capital as part of his post-basketball career preparation resonated with Proman, leading to their partnership.
As a seven-year NBA veteran with three years remaining on his contract with the Wizards, Kuzma brings a strategic mindset and diverse investment portfolio to the table. His role at Scrum Ventures will involve collaborating on investments, providing input on potential opportunities, and serving as a sounding board for prospective fund investments.
Ultimately, this collaboration represents Kuzma’s proactive approach to diversifying his professional interests and leveraging his strategic acumen beyond the realm of professional basketball.
