Former 49ers Harris Barton and Ronnie Lott said
yesterday they have raised $40M from 99 pro athletes and
that their Champion Ventures I fund will invest the amount
with ten top technology-focused venture capital funds,
according to Peter Sinton of the S.F. CHRONICLE. Among
investors in the fund: Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Dan Marino,
Barry Bonds, Eric Karros and Steve Kerr. The fund was "open
only" to pro sports figures worth a minimum of $1M with at
least $250,000 to invest. The first Champion Ventures
"fund-of-funds" will invest from $2-5M each with Accel
Partners, Benchmark Capital, ComVentures, Crosspoint Venture
Partners, Mayfield Fund, Mohr Davidow Ventures, New
Enterprise Associates, Redpoint Ventures, Sequoia Capital
and Technology Crossover Ventures. Barton and Lott launched
Champion Ventures to "let other pro athletes share the
opportunity to invest in hot technology startups." They
added that their new venture is a way to connect athletes
"with venture capitalists and startup companies, opening the
way to product endorsements, speaking engagmeents and post-
career job opportunities." The two "anticipate" securing
another $40-80M fund by next summer (S.F. CHRONICLE, 11/30).
