Athletic Community Secures $7.6 Million in Series A Funding for Athlete Support Revolution
In a significant move to support professional athletes beyond their playing careers, the Pro Athlete Community (PAC) has successfully secured a $7.6 million Series A funding round. The investment, led by GSV Ventures, with participation from Maveron and strategic investors, aims to accelerate PAC's growth and deliver tailored education, career support, and industry access to its expanding membership.
Founded in 2022 by Chip Paucek and Kaleb Thornhill, PAC offers a unique platform that provides high-quality learning, hands-on industry experience, certified performance coaching, and access to a network of pro athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, investors, and advisors. This community is seen as a safe space for professional athletes to receive the necessary support for their post-athletic life.
Devin McCourty, PAC Advisory Board Co-Chair, three-time Super Bowl champion, and athlete leadership advocate, shares his personal experience of struggling after retirement. He expresses gratitude for PAC, which he credits for providing him with education, exposure, community, and opportunities for his post-athletic life.
The quote from McCourty also underscores the importance of the community in supporting athletes and providing opportunities for them after their playing days. He emphasises the locker room feel and community aspect that PAC offers to its members.
Michael Cohn, Co-founder and Partner at GSV Ventures, acknowledges the potential of the pro athlete community and the need for education, coaching, and connections for athletes to thrive after their playing days. He highlights the untapped potential within the pro athlete community and the beginning of what could be a significant impact for PAC's members.
The funding will be used to fuel the launch of new virtual education programs, expanded mentorship, greater industry access, and enhanced career support for professional athletes. PAC's membership has doubled since January to over 650 current and former pro athletes, with approximately 10% of currently active professional football players in the U.S. being members.
The PAC community's potential impact extends beyond athletes to benefit society overall. By providing professional athletes with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their post-athletic lives, PAC aims to empower these individuals to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Chip Paucek, PAC Co-Founder and CEO, expresses confidence in accelerating the mission to support pro athletes beyond their playing days with the support of GSV Ventures and new partners. He emphasises the importance of supporting the elite qualities that make pro athletes successful in their sport being supported after their playing days.
The funding round marks a significant milestone for PAC and underscores the growing recognition of the need for support for professional athletes beyond their playing days. As PAC continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of professional athletes and the communities they serve.
The Pro Athlete Community (PAC) plans to utilize the $7.6 million Series A funding to enhance their offerings in finance, aiming to provide tailored business education and career support for their growing membership of current and former professional athletes.
Michael Cohn, Co-founder and Partner at GSV Ventures, underscores the importance of education and connections for athletes to thrive after their playing days, highlighting the potential of the pro athlete community in the business world as well as beyond, especially in sports industries such as football.
