Thrive Capital led VCs into pro sports ownership; Collaborative Fund just upped that play

Collaborative Fund has bought into D.C. United and its stadium, following a broader venture capital push into professional sports assets. Founder Craig Shapiro says the investment can also serve as a showcase platform for the firm’s portfolio startups.

The deal highlights how sports teams and venues are becoming strategic platforms for venture firms, not just prestige investments. Expect more funds to use ownership stakes to create distribution, brand partnerships, and real-world testing grounds for consumer and media startups.