Ben Stokes, KL Rahul backing first athlete-led venture fund of UK

The Players Fund, a global outlet for athletes investing in the future of the digital consumer, announced the first athlete-led venture fund in the UK. The aim of the venture capital fund is to unite and consolidate the athlete investor community.

The new venture capital fund will bring a collective of renowned athlete investors alongside seasoned VCs (Venture Capitalists). It will strengthen the investor's merged expertise, global access to opportunities, and value-creation ability, in order to support phenomenal entrepreneurs and encourage athletes to invest. World-class sportspersons, including cricket stars Ben Stokes, KL Rahul, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, and footballers Chris Smalling, Serge Gnabry, and Héctor Bellerín are some of the investors.

Ben Stokes, England Test captain, founder of 4CAST, and partner at The Players Fund stated that the company can reach height with collective efforts. He also said that The Players Fund will provide a structured way for athletes to step into investing in the early stage.

"Since starting 4CAST we have seen huge benefits of athletes and public figures coming together in business and we strongly believe athletes investing together cannot be underestimated. By combining our resources, networks and experience, we can achieve so much more collectively than as individuals. With The Players Fund we provide a structured way for athletes to confidently step into early stage investing and to do so alongside teammates and fellow athletes,” said Stokes.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul, Indian cricketer, and partner at The Players Fund, reckoned that the new venture capital fund is a source for athletes to invest in technology collectively, upskill the next generation, and support founders in improving access across education, healthcare, and so on.

"Athletes can do so much more than just endorsements to create a positive impact. We need to take control of our financial futures and invest together in the future. I am excited to be a founding member of The Players Fund to support the Indian athlete and startup community. Athletes finally have a home to invest in technology collectively, upskill the next generation, and support founders improving access across education, healthcare and more. Our united voice and platforms have the power to transform lives,” Rahul said.