Sam Hinkie

Sam Hinkie is the Founder and Managing Director of Eighty-Seven Capital, a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, which he established in April 2020. The firm focuses on seed and early-stage investments, primarily in technology-driven companies, although it does not specifically target sports-related ventures.24

Career Background

Hinkie has a diverse background in sports management and venture capital. Before founding Eighty-Seven Capital, he served as the President and General Manager of the Philadelphia 76ers from 2013 to 2016, where he became well-known for implementing a controversial rebuilding strategy known as "The Process." This approach emphasized accumulating draft picks and developing young talent, notably drafting NBA star Joel Embiid.23 Prior to his role with the 76ers, Hinkie spent eight years with the Houston Rockets, where he held various positions including Executive Vice President.12

His earlier career included roles in consulting at Bain & Company and private equity with Pacific Equity Partners in Australia. Hinkie also has academic credentials, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.13

Current Focus

At Eighty-Seven Capital, Hinkie aims to support innovative entrepreneurs and companies that are leveraging technology to create impactful solutions. The firm has raised a total of $50 million for its initial fund and has made several investments, including a recent $17 million Series A round for Opal Camera, a company specializing in high-quality webcams.45 Hinkie emphasizes a collaborative approach to investment, seeking to build strong relationships with the founders he works with.5

Hinkie's unique blend of experience in both sports and venture capital positions him as a notable figure in the investment community, particularly for those interested in data-driven decision-making and innovative business models.