Episode #238: Brian Zwerner Part 2
Brian Zwerner — Beyond The Game Network: Turning Pro Athletes into Startup Powerhouses Brian Zwerner is an investor and advisor in sports, media, web3, and fitness — and the founder of Beyond The Game Network in Atlanta. After two decades in capital markets and a successful fintech exit, Brian pivoted to startups, media, and athlete-led venture building. His story is a playbook for pairing hard-won finance chops with the grit and mindset of professional athletes. From Wharton to investment banking to founding Sportal, Brian’s journey shows how to spot real problems, pivot fast, and build communities that create outsized opportunity. Today, he and his partners back companies where athletes can move the needle through credibility, access, and content — not just capital. Key Takeaways: Web3 adoption curve: Of 20 portfolio companies, only 2 had a web3 plan at investment—now 9 do. Momentum is real and accelerating. NFTs rebranded: Think digital collectibles/passes/memberships, not hype art drops. Used well, they bring fans closer to your business. Enterprise validation: The NBA’s Top Shot surpassed $1B in 18 months; Nike acquired RTFKT; Adidas partnered in the space—signal, not noise. Fitness “move-to-earn”: Tokens/NFTs as behavioral incentives will mature beyond early missteps (e.g., StepN), solving churn and habit-building. Metaverse reality check: VR/AR is progressing (Quest headsets, Roblox, Fortnite), but mass-scale “Ready Player One” is years away—expect steady, practical steps. Catch the full story on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EofDt8qXx9w Memorable Quote: “I see the tip of the spear of these amazing tech startups… and I just believe it—deep in my bones—that it’s coming.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Brian Linkedin Globe
Episode #238: Brian Zwerner
Brian Zwerner — Beyond The Game Network: Turning Pro Athletes into Startup Powerhouses Brian Zwerner is an investor and advisor in sports, media, web3, and fitness — and the founder of Beyond The Game Network in Atlanta. After two decades in capital markets and a successful fintech exit, Brian pivoted to startups, media, and athlete-led venture building. His story is a playbook for pairing hard-won finance chops with the grit and mindset of professional athletes. From Wharton to investment banking to founding Sportal, Brian’s journey shows how to spot real problems, pivot fast, and build communities that create outsized opportunity. Today, he and his partners back companies where athletes can move the needle through credibility, access, and content — not just capital. Key Takeaways: Fintech to founder: Built Aquina Health, a tech-enabled lender serving doctors and healthcare providers waiting 30–90 days on reimbursements; scaled and sold to a strategic. Pivot with purpose: Launched Sportal Space (the “OpenTable for gyms/fields”), hit school-district roadblocks, then pivoted to a high school sports media and live-streaming business. Loved by the community, tough to monetize — and ultimately shut down. Birth of Beyond The Game: Partnered with former NFL DT Andre Fluellen to help athletes find second careers and equity opportunities in startups without writing big checks. Influence over income: Their model lets athletes earn sweat equity as brand ambassadors, creators, and door-openers to leagues, teams, and media groups — while business/tech investors fund the rounds. Wild bets that fit: Fan Controlled Football — seven-on-seven arena football where fans pick plays live — exemplifies their “entertainment + athlete edge” thesis, alongside bets in gaming, fantasy, wearables, and web3. Catch the full story on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLRbyYw08gw Memorable Quote: “Athletes make the best entrepreneurs.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Brian Linkedin Globe