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Joe Montana Trades 49ers Field for VC Fund
9 Feb
Summary
- Joe Montana initially became an investor with former teammates.
- He co-founded Liquid 2 Ventures in 2015 with Ron Conway.
- Montana emphasizes betting on founders over products for early investments.
Legendary quarterback Joe Montana, a four-time Super Bowl winner, revealed his unexpected journey into venture capital. Initially, former teammates Harris Barton and Ronnie Lott persuaded him to explore investing, leveraging their NFL connections for access to top venture capital funds. Montana's early ventures involved raising $15 million and investing in various funds.
Later, Montana established Liquid 2 Ventures in 2015 with angel investor Ron Conway, whose children attended the same school as Montana's. This fund has since invested in over 800 companies, including notable startups like GitLab and Rappi. Montana emphasizes that successful early-stage investing hinges on backing the right people and their determination.
Montana draws parallels between elite athletes and successful startup founders, noting that their internal drive is crucial for success. He also learned team-building strategies from coaching icon Bill Walsh. Liquid 2 Ventures is now reportedly as significant as Conway's SV Angel, with both investors often collaborating.
Montana finds his current role at Liquid 2 more engaging than his prior fund-of-funds work due to deeper involvement with portfolio companies from their inception. He believes his affable personality and established brand facilitate strong syndicate relationships and enduring partnerships in the venture capital world.
