Ben Gardner

Ben Gardner is a notable venture capitalist and former professional athlete, currently serving as a Partner and Head of Portfolio Success at Will Ventures. He previously spent over five years at Andreessen Horowitz, a prominent Silicon Valley venture capital firm, where he played a significant role in building the consumer team's go-to-market platform and advising various portfolio companies including Instacart and Substack .12

Early Life and Education

Gardner graduated from Stanford University, where he was not only an accomplished student but also the captain of the university's Rose Bowl-winning football team. His athletic career continued when he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, leading to a three-year stint in the NFL with both the Cowboys and the San Diego Chargers .12

Career at Andreessen Horowitz

During his time at Andreessen Horowitz from 2017 to 2022, Gardner was instrumental in developing strategies for numerous startups and managing a network of corporate executives across various sectors such as sports, media, and consumer brands. His expertise in go-to-market strategies helped numerous companies enhance their market presence .123

Transition to Will Ventures

In 2022, Gardner transitioned to Will Ventures, where he focuses on investments in sports, entertainment, and consumer sectors. His role emphasizes leveraging his extensive network and experience to drive success for portfolio companies .124

Gardner's unique background as both an athlete and a venture capitalist allows him to bring a distinct perspective to his investments, particularly in sectors related to sports and entertainment.