Thirty Five Ventures

High-Level Overview

Thirty Five Ventures (35V) is a diversified family office and investment platform co-founded by NBA superstar Kevin Durant and his longtime business partner Rich Kleiman in 2016. The firm manages Durant’s off-court business ventures, investments, media projects, and philanthropic efforts. Its investment philosophy centers on backing disruptive, scalable companies with strong brand potential and long-term value creation, spanning sectors such as fintech, health and wellness, sports, AI, consumer tech, media, and entertainment. Thirty Five Ventures has invested in over 100 companies, including notable names like Coinbase, Robinhood, Acorns, Postmates, and Whoop. Beyond investing, 35V operates Boardroom, a media network focused on sports business, culture, and entrepreneurship, and produces original content such as documentaries and scripted series, blending athlete branding with venture capital and media influence[1][2][3].

Origin Story

Thirty Five Ventures was founded in 2016 by Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA Champion and Finals MVP, alongside Rich Kleiman, his longtime business manager and partner. The firm was created as a centralized platform to manage Durant’s expanding off-court interests, including investments, media production, and philanthropy. Over time, 35V evolved from a family office into a multifaceted entity that integrates venture capital investing with media and entertainment production, reflecting Durant and Kleiman’s vision of leveraging athlete influence to drive innovation and cultural impact[1][2][4].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Combines athlete-driven branding power with strategic capital deployment and media savvy.
• Network Strength: Access to high-profile startups and partnerships across sports, tech, and entertainment sectors.
• Track Record: Over 100 investments in disruptive companies such as Coinbase, Robinhood, and Postmates.
• Operating Support: Runs Boardroom, a media platform that amplifies portfolio companies and athlete entrepreneurs through content and storytelling.
• Cultural Influence: Produces original film and TV content, including ESPN documentaries and Apple TV+ series, linking sports culture with business narratives[1][2][3].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Thirty Five Ventures rides the growing trend of athlete-led investment platforms that merge personal branding with venture capital and media production. The timing is significant as athletes increasingly leverage their influence beyond sports to impact technology, culture, and entrepreneurship. Market forces such as the rise of fintech, AI, and digital media create fertile ground for 35V’s diversified investments. By integrating media production with investing, 35V shapes the ecosystem by spotlighting emerging trends and empowering athlete-entrepreneurs, thus expanding the traditional boundaries of sports business and venture capital[1][3].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Thirty Five Ventures is poised to deepen its influence by continuing to blend investment with media and cultural storytelling. Trends in AI, fintech, and sports tech will likely shape its portfolio focus, while its media ventures like Boardroom and scripted content will enhance its brand and ecosystem impact. As athlete-led investment models gain traction, 35V’s integrated approach positions it to be a leading example of how sports figures can drive innovation and cultural change beyond the court. This evolution ties back to its founding vision of creating a long-term platform for impact, innovation, and storytelling at the intersection of sports, business, and technology[1][3].