Chiefs Stars Score Big With Startup Investments

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX this Sunday, the spotlight will be firmly on the football field. It’s the second time in three seasons that these two teams will meet for the NFL’s biggest prize, making the matchup one of the most anticipated events of the year.

But while the rivalry plays out on the gridiron, a different kind of competition is unfolding off the field — in the world of startups and venture investing.

Philadelphia is widely known for its growing startup ecosystem, particularly in sectors like fintech and life sciences. In comparison, Kansas City’s startup scene remains relatively small. According to data from Crunchbase, venture capital–backed startups in Kansas City attracted only about $30 million in funding in 2024, a modest number compared to larger tech hubs.

Even so, some of the Chiefs’ biggest stars are making waves in the startup world.

Patrick Mahomes’ growing startup portfolio

Any conversation about the Chiefs starts with superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Known for his MVP-level performances on the field, Mahomes has also been building a name for himself as a startup investor.

Among his notable investments is Hyperice, a California-based company that develops recovery and movement-enhancement products widely used by professional athletes. He has also backed Whoop, a Boston-based fitness technology company whose wearable platform tracks recovery, training intensity, and sleep patterns to help athletes optimize performance.

Whoop has become one of the leading companies in sports performance technology. The company has raised more than $400 million and reached a $3.6 billion valuation following its $200 million Series F funding round in 2021.

Mahomes has also shown interest in the beverage startup space. In 2024, he led a seed funding round for Throne Sport Coffee, a ready-to-drink iced coffee brand based in Stamford, Connecticut. The company markets its drinks as a healthier option, featuring natural caffeine, natural flavors and sweeteners, along with added B vitamins and electrolytes.

Travis Kelce joins the venture playbook

Mahomes isn’t the only Chiefs player exploring the startup scene. Star tight end Travis Kelce has quietly built a diverse investment portfolio of his own.

According to Crunchbase data, Kelce has backed several companies across different industries. His investments include Draftea, a fantasy sports platform based in Mexico City, and ZenWTR, a California-based company producing vapor-distilled alkaline water.

Kelce has also invested in Kodiak Cakes, a Utah-based food brand known for its protein-packed baking mixes and breakfast products. Another notable investment is Hydrow, a Cambridge, Massachusetts startup that builds connected indoor rowing machines designed to bring immersive training experiences into the home. Hydrow has raised more than $360 million so far.

Athletes expanding beyond sports

Professional athletes increasingly view startup investing as a way to expand their influence beyond sports. For players like Mahomes and Kelce, these investments provide opportunities to support innovation while building long-term business ventures.

So while fans focus on touchdowns and tackles this weekend, the Chiefs’ star players are already proving they know how to score in another arena — the fast-growing world of startups.

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