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

According to a report from TechCrunch, the venture capital firm Collaborative Fund has expanded its portfolio into professional sports by acquiring a stake in the Major League Soccer club D.C. United and its associated stadium infrastructure. The move follows a broader trend of venture capital firms seeking ownership stakes in professional sports franchises as a means of diversifying assets and increasing brand visibility.

Craig Shapiro, the founder of Collaborative Fund, stated that the investment is intended to serve as a platform for the firm's portfolio companies. By integrating startup technology and services into the stadium experience and club operations, the firm aims to create a live testing ground for its ventures. This strategy mirrors recent moves by other firms, such as Thrive Capital, which have also pursued ownership interests in the sports sector.

While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition highlights the growing intersection between venture capital and professional sports management. Industry analysts suggest that such partnerships are increasingly common as teams look to modernize fan engagement and operational efficiency through startup-led innovation. Collaborative Fund has not yet announced specific plans for which startups will be prioritized for integration into the D.C. United ecosystem.