Lower Merion, NBA Star Kobe Bryant Enters Venture Capital Arena

By Ken Knickerbocker

Published: 6:30 am EDT October 27, 2016Published: October 27, 2016Updated: 6:30 am EDT October 27, 2016

Telling WSJD failure has been a constant in his life, Lower Merion native and NBA star Kobe Bryant steps into the high-risk venture capital world.

NBA all-star and Lower Merion High School graduate Kobe Bryant has decided to enter the venture capital arena after retiring from his two decade long professional basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a staff report from Philadelphia Business Journal.

Bryant is planning to launch a venture capital fund with tech entrepreneur Jeff Stibel, although some question his skills in this new arena.

During his interview with the Wall Street Journal, the five-time NBA champion joked that his success rate in VC might be below the numbers he put up on the court. However, his famous confidence showed when asked whether he was ready to shoot 5 percent, a successful number for venture capitalists.

“No, I’m going to shoot higher than that,” he said.

Bryant also emphasized that he has closed his chapter on the NBA, noting he was missing the start of the season for the interview.

“Unless some great entrepreneur in here as some new technology where I can put glasses on while I’m watching the game simultaneously while talking to you people, I’m missing it,” said Bryant.

Read more about Bryant’s plans at Philadelphia Business Journal by clicking here or view the entire 28 minute WSJD Live Kobe Bryant interview below.