Kobe Bryant has quickly transitioned to a life after basketball since retiring from the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year, announcing he would be providing some $100 million U.S. to a new investment fund.
The 20-year vet and five-time NBA Champion has been investing with partner Jeff Stibel-- the former head of Web.com (NASDAQ:WEB)-- for four years now, a partnership that includes stakes in 15 different companies. The new official partnership between the two investors will invest primarily in tech, media, and data companies with the potential to really revolutionize their industries.
The most prominent investment so far by the pair is the digital sports publication The Players Tribune, started by former Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. The two are also invested in Scopely, a video game maker, LegalZoom, which offers online legal help, and Juicero, a home juicing company.
Bryant told CNBC on Monday he’d rather be remembered as an investor who jump-starts tech companies than as a basketball player, saying "if you really want to create something that lasts generations, you have to help inspire the next generation."
Each partner brings a strength to the fund. Stibel focuses on a potential investment’s financials, while Kobe focuses on the branding and marketing.
Bryant isn’t the only former Laker to have success in finance after basketball, with former teammate Shaquille O’Neal owning an empire estimated to be worth more than $350 million U.S.
Magic Johnson, another former Laker, is reportedly worth some $500 million U.S.
