Athlete Network adds hall-of-famer Warren Moon to its roster
April 13, 2017 | Bobby Burch
It’s not everyday that you add a hall-of-fame quarterback to your team.
In establishing a new, high-impact advisory board, Athlete Network has landed former NFL superstar Warren Moon as a team member that will help guide the startup moving forward. Moon previously played for the Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings and other pro teams, racking up 70,553 total passing yards and other records that have since been broken.
In addition to Moon, the Lenexa-based firm tapped Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics International, and Philip Sanderson, managing director of Ridge Ventures.
Launched in 2015, Athlete Network created an online community for athletes that’s quickly growing around the nation. The community offers members an avenue to connect to like-minded athletes and resources to grow.
Athlete Network CEO Chris Smith said he’s excited to have the trio help advise his company.
“The advisory board that we have begun to assemble is truly exemplary in their individual and combined expertise in leveraging technology and guiding world class athletes. We expect them to help us deliver the same to our members,” Smith said in a release. “I am thrilled to welcome them to Athlete Network’s Advisory Board and I look forward to working closely with them as we grow Athlete Network nationwide and expand internationally.”
In July of 2016, Athlete Network raised $2 million and few weeks later, the firm announced that it landed an agreement with the U.S. Olympic Committee to customize its platform for America’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Led by a team of former collegiate athletes, Athlete Network’s mission is to fuel athletes’ driven lifestyle.
In January, Athlete Network was recognized by Startland News as a Top Kansas City Startup to Watch in 2017.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Unearthing Kansas City’s startup gems (with your help)
Last week, Startland News published its Top 10 startups and four honorable mentions to watch in 2016. By and large, the piece has been well received with thousands of readers issuing kudos to startups that made the list. But as with any subjective “Top 10-whatever” list, we expected grumbles about the worthiness of the startups…
‘I’ve been breaking bureaucracies for 24 years’ Kansas City’s new CIO opens up
There’s a new hand at the helm of Kansas City innovation, and it belongs to that of Bob Bennett. A 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Bennett kicked off his tenure as the second-ever chief innovation officer of the City of Kansas City, Mo. on Jan. 1, taking the lead on an array of civic…
Advisors, role models and the importance of ‘champions’
“What types of support relationships do you find beneficial as a startup founder?” I asked a group of six women founders this question as part of a whiteboard conversation conducted last year by WhiteSpace Consulting and Startland News. Their answers reveal a broad range of support relationships, including one that is a must-have for every…
Crowdfunding law has changed, here’s what you need to know
Editors note: This piece was originally published Jan. 7, 2016. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s expanded rules for equity crowdfunding went into effect May 16. This past October, the SEC unveiled its final equity crowdfunding regulations set to take effect May 16. For the first time in the U.S., entrepreneurs will be able to…