What is Melo7 Tech Partners?
You might think of Carmelo Anthony as a diva or scorer or a ball hog but nobody has an opinion of him as a businessman. It is what has helped him stay so under the radar with his venture capital firm creation and partnership with a former executive vice president of NBC and a current member of the WWE’s board of directors.
The money is enticing but it’s also the thrill of being involved with businesses and companies that’s changing the world today.” Anthony said.
That isn’t easy to do with 5.1 million followers on Twitter. While we were watching his highlights or following the latest Knicks rumors, Carmelo Anthony was thinking about technology.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in technology.Said Anthony
What is Anthony if he isn’t sparking debates about why the Knicks are losing or winning? Do we even recognize Anthony in the entrepreneur role? You probably don’t have an opinion about M7 Tech Partners. You don’t follow what kind of investors they are looking for or know their portfolio.
My partner, Stuart Goldfarb, and I are investors in companies and not managers. But we certainly do our best to help the companies we invest in.
You also probably don’t care to know about Anthony’s interest in particular companies or search for Anthony’s technology focus.
I particularly have my eye on companies that are involved with wearable technology and connected devices. These will be huge areas for the future
But that is precisely why it is so important to recognize Anthony past the circus show of the Knicks. The endlessly going coaching carousal or the constant breaking headlines aren’t him. Anthony is building a legacy beyond basketball and in New York. His company has participated and organized several star studded start up events for the city so far.
We are actively looking for ventures with strong leaders creating breakthrough products that resonate with consumers.
Surprisingly, M7 Tech Partners first investment was in Hullabalu, an interactive kids learning software and a TechStars NYC company.
At Melo7, we look for up-and-coming companies that we can help take to the next level – companies that are using technology to change our world.
M7 Tech Partners has proved themselves shrewd investors thus far investing in a company that raised $1.8 million last year and $2.5 million this year.
When we find a company that looks interesting, we analyze the market and, most importantly, get to know the team. A great investment is a result of having a great team.
M7 Tech Partners spoke at the latest TechCrunch national event in NY called Disrupt 2016. They answered questions and Anthony shared his expierence.
For me it was about learning the business not just jumping in their and investing my money. I had to learn the business, I’m still learning the business, learning how to read a business plan, learning the difference between a good business plan and a bad business plan, learning what questions to ask, what answers to look for, all of these things are things I had to learn day to day.
They also partnered with Haithem Elembaby, CEO of Katalyst Live, for an event during MADE Fashion Week at Milk Studios. The event focused on fashion sports and technology during All-Star weekend.
NBA Players are All Business
Carmelo Anthony isn’t associated with business. If you compare him to his NBA peers he isn’t a visual presence like Lebron James or Kevin Durant or even Blake Griffin. He’s not a physical brand like Chris Paul, Jeremy Lin, or Stephen Curry. He is not a team spokesperson like the Spurs players and their H-E-B commercials. We need to start thinking Amar’e Stoudamire and Baron Davis, and Steve Nash, and Carmelo Anthony as they all have successful venture capital firms.
“Your personal image and brand follows you everywhere. Build it deliberately and carefully. You may make many professional moves over the course of your career, but your reputation is going to be with you forever” Said Anthony.
It is strange that the star player and face of the Knicks franchise in the media machine that is New York could be so low key about building their influence in a space that is so appealing to the world and not just sports. Anthony has taken up a path in business by getting involved in technology and keeping the roots in New York. Question his health or his ability to win games but don’t question his loyalty to New York, drive to succeed, or vision to bring the two together.
