Sterling.VC

Sterling.VC is a New York-based early-stage venture capital firm with a distinct focus on the intersection of sports, media, and technology, particularly within the burgeoning web3 gaming and sports tech sectors. Founded by Alex and Jeff Wilpon, former owners of the New York Mets, the firm leverages its deep connections and expertise in traditional sports and entertainment to identify and nurture innovative startups. Their investment thesis centers on companies building the future of fan engagement, athlete performance, and the broader business of sports, often embracing cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and NFTs.

The firm primarily invests in early-stage companies, typically participating in Seed and Series A rounds, and occasionally extending to Series B investments. Sterling.VC seeks out ventures with strong founding teams, clear visions, and scalable business models that can disrupt or enhance existing industries. They aim to provide not just capital, but also strategic guidance and access to their extensive network within the sports and entertainment ecosystems, which can be invaluable for portfolio companies navigating complex markets.

Sterling.VC has built an impressive portfolio of companies that are at the forefront of the web3 and sports tech revolution. Notable investments include Dapper Labs, the creator of NBA Top Shot and the Flow blockchain, which has raised over $600 million in total funding. They are also investors in Mythical Games, a leading blockchain game developer, and Sorare, a popular fantasy sports game utilizing NFTs. Another significant investment is in Forte, a blockchain infrastructure provider that secured a substantial $725 million in its Series B funding round, underscoring Sterling.VC's participation in high-impact deals. To date, Sterling.VC has made nearly 20 investments, demonstrating their active presence and commitment to shaping the future of digital engagement.