Stefon Diggs of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with owner Zygi Wilf after defeating the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Jan. 14, 2018. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf have formally launched WISE Ventures, a Manhattan-based investment firm. The firm seeks early investment opportunities within sports, entertainment, real estate, and technology.
Wilf Innovative Sports and Entertainment Ventures will pursue tech-related investment opportunities that include streaming media, data analytics, fitness and health technologies, gaming, and communications platforms, the firm said in a news release on Tuesday. Zygi Wilf is the principal owner of the Vikings, while younger brother Mark serves as the team’s president and co-owner.
“We have a passion for investing in, and collaborating with, next-gen companies who are on the leading edge of ideas that can ultimately enhance people’s lives,” said Mark Wilf in a statement. “With our deep industry networks and management experience, we are able to assess, champion and add value to accelerate growth in rapidly evolving industries.”
The firm has already invested in sports technology companies such as fantasy sports content provider SportsHub Games Network and automated video highlights platform WSC Sports. A full list of WISE Ventures’ current portfolio is available on the company’s website.
SportTechie Takeaway
The Wilf family net worth stands at $5 billion according to a 2015 report of the 50 wealthiest people in New Jersey. Before purchasing the Vikings in 2005, the Wilfs originally achieved wealth through real estate company Garden Homes, which was founded by Mark and Zygi’s father in 1954. The Wilf family’s existing investment portfolio also includes stadium-tech company VenueNext. Their newly minted venture capital firm figures to establish them as prominent investors in the sports-tech space.
