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Wayne Kimmel
Managing Partner at SeventySix Capital, sports tech VC investor, keynote speaker, podcast host and author • @waynekimmel
Wayne Kimmel is a prominent venture capitalist and entrepreneur, best known as the Managing Partner of SeventySix Capital, a venture capital firm he founded in 1999. His firm specializes in investing in startups within the sports betting, esports, and sports technology sectors. Kimmel's investment portfolio includes notable companies such as DraftKings, fuboTV, and Nutrisystem, among others, and his ventures have collectively raised over $5 billion.124
Early Life and Education
Born on April 30, 1970, in Wilmington, Delaware, Kimmel attended the University of Maryland at College Park, where he was involved in broadcasting for the university's sports teams. He later graduated from the Delaware Law School.14
Career Highlights
- SeventySix Capital: Under Kimmel's leadership, the firm has evolved to focus primarily on sports-related investments. He has established initiatives like the SeventySix Capital Athlete Venture Group, which empowers professional athletes to invest in and collaborate with emerging sports tech startups.123
- Sports Advisory Group: Kimmel also founded the SeventySix Capital Sports Advisory, a consulting group that aids sports executives and organizations in integrating innovative technologies into their operations.14
- Media Presence: He hosts the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, where he interviews leading figures in the sports industry, further solidifying his role as a thought leader in sports entrepreneurship.23
Publications and Recognition
Kimmel is the author of Six Degrees of Wayne Kimmel, where he shares insights from his career as a venture capitalist and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. His contributions to the industry have earned him accolades such as being named one of Philadelphia's "Top Innovators" by Philadelphia Magazine and receiving the "Most Admired CEO" award from the Philadelphia Business Journal in 2022.14
Personal Life
Kimmel is known for his passion for sports, often engaging with various sporting events and activities. He emphasizes networking as a crucial aspect of his success, leveraging his extensive connections to benefit both his firm and its portfolio companies.34
In summary, Wayne Kimmel stands out as a significant figure in the intersection of venture capital and sports innovation, driving advancements in how technology interacts with athletics.