From NBA to ROI with Carmelo Anthony & Stuart Goldfarb (Melo7 Tech Partners) at TechCrunch Disrupt

Transcript

I'd be very surprised if I need to do this introduction in this room here in Brooklyn. Um, but in case you're not familiar, I would like to introduce Carmelo Anthony. Thank you. Number seven, New York Knicks forward and Stuart Goldfarb. Uh, in case you're wondering what kind of a badass, excuse my French, Stuart Goldfarb is, he sits on the board of... Read More

Summary

In this video, Carmelo Anthony and Stuart Goldfarb discuss their partnership in tech investing and their brand, Melo 7 Tech. They talk about how they met, the importance of learning the business, the impact of technology on sports and entertainment, and their goals for the future.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Carmelo Anthony and Stuart Goldfarb meet?

Carmelo Anthony and Stuart Goldfarb met through Carmelo's wife, who was friends with Goldfarb. They started hanging out and discussing different businesses, which eventually led to their partnership in tech investing.

Q: Why did Carmelo Anthony want to learn the ropes of investing?

Carmelo Anthony wanted to be hands-on and learn about the tech industry, rather than just relying on others to manage his investments. He wanted to understand how businesses operate, how to read business plans, and how to make informed investment decisions.

Q: What excited Carmelo Anthony about the tech industry?

Carmelo Anthony loves the opportunity for people to be heard and the potential for technology to give everyone a voice. He believes that technology has the power to change the world and wants to be a part of that change.

Q: What technologies are indispensable for Carmelo Anthony's NBA career?

Carmelo Anthony mentions medical tech as being important for athletes, as it helps with recovery and performance. He also mentions the use of the "catapult," a device that collects data to help improve performance on and off the court.

Q: What new technology does Stuart Goldfarb believe will have the biggest impact on sports and entertainment?

Stuart Goldfarb believes that virtual reality and augmented reality will have a significant impact on sports and entertainment. He mentions that the fan experience, training, and development of athletes, and the invention of new types of sporting events could all be revolutionized with these technologies. He also mentions that artificial intelligence will play a significant role in changing the industry.

Q: Who are Carmelo Anthony's business heroes?

Carmelo Anthony mentions various business icons like Elon Musk and Michael Milken, but he is also inspired by local kids from the Red Hook initiative who work on public Wi-Fi projects. He sees them as inspiring and admires the work they do in their community.

Q: Who are some pro athletes who have successfully transitioned into the business world and inspire Stuart Goldfarb?

Stuart Goldfarb mentions athletes like Caitlyn Jenner, David Beckham, and Michael Jordan who have built strong personal brands beyond their athletic careers. These athletes have successfully transitioned into the business world and have made an impact.

Q: How do Carmelo Anthony and Stuart Goldfarb define their investment pieces for Melo 7 Tech?

Carmelo Anthony and Stuart Goldfarb look for investments that make the world a better place and align with Carmelo's brand. They have a network of venture capitalists and founders who introduce them to potential investments, and they evaluate each opportunity based on its fit with their mission and goals.

Q: Do Carmelo Anthony and Stuart Goldfarb have a specific brand in mind for Melo 7 Tech?

Carmelo Anthony and Stuart Goldfarb don't have a specific brand in mind for Melo 7 Tech. They focus on enjoying what they do, collaborating on opportunities, and creating their own brand and name in the tech world.

Q: Is there anything Carmelo Anthony and Stuart Goldfarb refuse to invest in?

Carmelo Anthony mentions that there are certain investments, like weed businesses, that he personally would like to invest in but cannot due to his status as an NBA player. Stuart Goldfarb adds that they also stay away from investments that don't align with Carmelo's brand or that target audiences that don't fit their mission.

Q: What is Carmelo Anthony's interest in fan engagement and how does he use social media to connect with fans?

Carmelo Anthony is interested in fan engagement and sees virtual reality as a way to enhance the fan experience. He uses Instagram to connect with fans because it is quick and accessible. He is still learning about Snapchat but understands the importance of social media in today's world.

Takeaways

Carmelo Anthony and Stuart Goldfarb's partnership in Melo 7 Tech showcases their passion for technology and the potential it has to change the world. They believe in being hands-on and learning the business of tech investing, rather than simply relying on others. They are interested in investing in companies that make a positive impact and align with Carmelo's brand. They see virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence as emerging technologies that will have a significant impact on sports and entertainment. Carmelo Anthony's goal is to continue investing in tech for the long term, even beyond his athletic career.