Technology
Ryan Nece’s journey to becoming a venture capitalist is unlike any we’ve ever seen. As a former NFL linebacker, Ryan defied the odds to become successful after retiring from the professional sports world. Now, he is the Managing Partner at Next Play Capital, founder of the Ryan Nece Foundation, and co-founder at StraightCast Media. Throughout this episode, Ryan shares how he bucked the trend, refusing to undergo extreme financial stress like many other retired athletes. Instead, he treats business like a team sport, acknowledging that he’s only as good as those he surrounds himself with. Ryan breaks down what motivates him to pursue venture capital, how he evaluates the founders whom he invests in, and how he believes more founders from minority communities can get the funding they need to scale. Some Questions I Ask: How did you buck the trend of becoming financially stable after retiring from the NFL? (6:45)What did your role look like with StraightCast Media? (14:40)What do you look for in founders? (24:02)In This Episode, You Will Learn: How Ryan’s career led him to venture capital. (2:11)What inspired Ryan to co-found his business StraightCast Media. (10:08)Why Ryan decided to directly invest in Peloton early on. (21:05)How Ryan evaluates the founders he wants to work with. (27:20)How education and exposure will help founders from minority communities get the funding they need. (31:52)Connect with Ryan Nece: LinkedIn See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.