Metta World Peace Launches Tru Skye Ventures with Stephen Stokols

Metta World Peace, a former NBA player, is making the switch from knocking down opponents on the basketball court to supporting early-stage companies in the business world. World Peace, who was previously known as Ron Artest, has teamed up with former Boost Mobile CEO Stephen Stokols to launch Tru Skye Ventures, a venture fund that emphasizes sports, technology, and digital media, health, and wellness innovations.

Their goal is to raise $100 million for the fund by the end of the first quarter of next year. Their first investment has already been made in Barcode, a performance beverage company founded by Mubarak “Bar” Malik, who was previously the director of performance for the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. Nearly 20 years after the infamous ‘Malice at the Palace’, World Peace was at the center of one of the most notorious NBA fights in history when this announcement came. However, today, World Peace is channeling his efforts into destigmatizing mental health and supporting wellness innovations.

“It’s a full circle story,” World Peace said in a recent video interview. “Health and wellness are always going to win.”

Former professional athletes are investing in startups to create generational wealth through venture capital, which is a growing trend.

Per Sportico, Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Milwaukee Bucks star, has launched his own fund, Build Your Legacy Ventures, and World Peace is a part of his team. Tru Skye Ventures intends to invest in at least 20 companies, with the goal of bringing not just capital but also expertise in product development, brand partnerships, and growth marketing.

Stokols, World Peace’s longtime business partner, and Tarey Gettys, an ex-SEAL officer and early-stage investor, are both members of the fund’s leadership team. Their plan is to offer more than just financial support with the fund. Their goal is to provide practical assistance in growing businesses and utilizing their extensive network, which encompasses former athletes, entertainers, and business leaders. After retiring from the NBA in 2017, World Peace spent time studying digital analytics at UCLA and gaining knowledge about private equity and finance.

“I didn’t want my face to add value,” he explained. “I wanted it to be my word and my mind.”

Tru Skye’s strategy will benefit from his expertise in both business and basketball to shape successful startups. Stokols and World Peace are looking to make use of their powerful network of corporate partners and influencers. The fund’s list of limited partners includes former professional athletes, entertainers, and even former politicians, with a focus on leveraging these relationships to help businesses grow and succeed. Tru Skye Ventures isn’t only a business venture for World Peace, it’s also a way to redefine his legacy and demonstrate how retired athletes can create lasting value long after their playing careers end. World Peace, who has a successful track record in both basketball and business, is committed to making his mark in venture capital.