WISE Ventures

WISE Ventures is a New York City-based investment fund operating out of Manhattan, primarily focused on early-stage technology companies. The fund distinguishes itself through its strategic affiliation with the Wilf family, renowned owners of the Minnesota Vikings and a diversified portfolio of real estate and private equity interests. This connection provides WISE Ventures with a unique vantage point and a robust network, enabling them to offer more than just capital to their portfolio companies. They aim to partner with visionary founders who are leveraging technology to disrupt traditional industries, particularly within sectors where the Wilf family has deep expertise.

The fund's investment strategy targets companies at the Seed through Series A stages, indicating a commitment to nurturing businesses from their nascent phases. Their sector focus is broad yet strategic, encompassing sports, media, entertainment, real estate, and consumer technology. This alignment with the Wilf family's core businesses allows WISE Ventures to provide invaluable strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a vast ecosystem of industry contacts. Their approach is hands-on, seeking to actively contribute to the growth and success of their portfolio companies beyond mere financial investment.

WISE Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of promising startups, demonstrating their ability to identify and back future market leaders. Notable investments include participation in Buzzer's $20 million Series A round, a mobile platform for live sports, and PlayVS, an esports platform that secured a $30.5 million Series A round with their involvement. Other significant portfolio companies include Fanatics, SeatGeek, Tonal, Overtime, and Hyperice, showcasing their interest in innovative solutions across various domains. These investments underscore their commitment to supporting companies that are redefining how consumers engage with sports, entertainment, and everyday life.

Overall, WISE Ventures positions itself as a strategic capital partner for early-stage tech companies. By combining financial backing with the extensive industry knowledge and network of the Wilf family, they offer a compelling value proposition to founders. Their focus on high-growth sectors and dedication to active partnership make them a notable player in the venture capital landscape, particularly for startups looking to leverage strategic connections in sports, media, and real estate.