NBA

Kobe Bryant Reveals $100 Million Venture Capital Firm

Kobe Bryant rang the bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Monday and spoke about his venture capital firm

On Monday, retired NBA basketball star Kobe Bryant turned up at the New York Stock Exchange and rang the bell to publicly reveal his three-year-old secret business project.

Apparently, Bryant has a $100 million venture capital firm with partner Jeff Stibel called Bryant Stibel. According to the firm's website, the fund has already invested in 15 companies and been involved in 50 transactions. Bryant Stibel aims to invest in technology, media and data companies, with a sports industry twist thrown in.

As the day went on, Bryant spoke about his new venture and offered a curious quote that fit Bryant's personality, yet contradicted one of his most famous quotes.

"Playing basketball, the focus is always on winning — winning championships, winning championships, winning championships," Bryant told "Squak on the Street." "Now, championships come and go... But if you really want to create something that lasts generations, you have to help inspire the next generation... That's when you create something forever. And that's what's most beautiful."

Back when Bryant was scoring points on the basketball court rather than negotiating for points in the board room, he sang a dramatically different tune.

"Friends come and go, but (championship) banners hang forever," Bryant once said

Bryant also told "Squak on the Street" that he hopes his legacy for investing overshadows his legacy for basketball, which would be tough considering the 37-year-old finished his basketball career with five NBA titles and third on the all-time points list.

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One has to marvel at Bryant's energy and confidence, though. Considering his maniacal work ethic, personal connections and financial resources, one would also be foolish to doubt Bryant's ability to succeed in this second career.

After all, $100 million is not exactly a bad starting point.

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