Cashmere Fund NIL Deal: QB Partnership | College Sports VC

Cashmere Fund Launches First-Ever NIL Venture Capital Partnership with Division I Quarterbacks

july 5, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move merging collegiate athletics with the world of finance, The Cashmere Fund, an evergreen interval fund focused on early-stage venture capital, has announced its College investing Class of 2025. This initiative marks the first-ever Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership between a venture capital fund and college athletes, perhaps reshaping how student-athletes engage with investment opportunities.

Elite Quarterbacks Join as Investors and Partners

The inaugural cohort features three high-potential Division I quarterbacks: LaNorris Sellers from The University Of South Carolina, Kevin Jennings representing Southern Methodist University, and Avery Johnson from Kansas State University. These athletes aren’t just endorsers; they are active investors and partners within The Cashmere Fund.

Elia Infascelli, CEO of Cashmere, emphasized the innovative spirit behind this venture.”Part of investing in venture capital is pursuing things that have never been done before. Completing Cashmere’s first-ever NIL deal is consistent with that legacy,” Infascelli stated.

Leveraging Personal Brands for Venture Investing

Participating student-athletes will utilize their personal brands to promote venture investing,provide support to portfolio companies,and actively engage in investor education across their peer groups,fan bases,and alumni networks. This strategy aims to cultivate financial literacy and investment acumen among a broader audience.

This NIL initiative expands Cashmere’s already impressive influencer ecosystem. Current investors in the Cashmere Fund include NFL MVP Josh Allen, fashion entrepreneur Jenna lyons, and NFL safety Damar Hamlin.

Democratizing Access to Venture Capital

The Cashmere Fund distinguishes itself by democratizing access to venture capital, particularly for non-accredited investors. With a minimum investment of just $500 and semi-annual liquidity windows, it allows broader retail participation in private markets.

A recent partnership with Apex fintech Solutions seeks to further broaden retail access, with plans to launch on major brokerage platforms. This move aims to make venture capital investing more accessible to everyday investors.

Cashmere’s Portfolio and Performance

As of June 30, 2024, Cashmere has invested in over 35 portfolio companies, including rising consumer brands such as Hone Health, Graza Olive Oil, and IQBAR. These companies and affiliated funds have collectively raised over $500 million, leveraging Cashmere’s extensive network across sports, entertainment, and culture to fuel brand and revenue growth.

Jordon Rooney, CEO of Jaster Athletes, played a crucial advisory role in structuring this pioneering NIL partnership.

The Rise of NIL Deals in College Sports

The Rise Of NIL deals have been on the surge. Did you know that NCAA revenue from NIL deals reached an estimated $1.14 billion in 2023?

The Enduring Appeal of Venture Capital and NIL Deals

Venture capital continues to attract interest due to its potential for high returns and the opportunity to invest in innovative, early-stage companies. Meanwhile, NIL deals offer student-athletes unprecedented opportunities to monetize their personal brands and gain financial experience.Together, these trends signal a new era in sports and finance, where athletes are empowered as investors and entrepreneurs.

Key Benefits of NIL and Venture Capital Partnerships

• Financial Literacy: Equips student-athletes with crucial financial skills.
• Brand Building: Enhances the personal brands of athletes and promotes venture funds.
• Democratized Investing: Opens venture capital to a broader audience.

How Does This Compare to Traditional Athlete Endorsements?

Feature	NIL & venture Capital	Traditional Endorsements
Role of Athlete	Investor & Promoter	Brand Ambassador
Financial Involvement	Direct Investment, equity	Fixed Fee
Focus	Long-term Growth, Financial Acumen	Short-term Marketing

Pro Tip: Diversifying an investment portfolio is crucial. Never put all your eggs in one basket. Also consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions About NIL and Venture Capital

• What is the Cashmere Fund’s new NIL venture?

  The Cashmere Fund has created a Name,Image,and Likeness (NIL) partnership that involves college athletes as investors and partners in their venture capital initiatives.

• Who are the college athletes involved in this venture capital partnership?

  The initial cohort includes three Division I quarterbacks: LaNorris Sellers from the University Of South Carolina,Kevin Jennings from Southern Methodist University,And Avery Johnson from Kansas State University.

• How will these student-athletes contribute as venture investing partners?

  These student-athletes will use their personal brands to promote venture investing, support portfolio companies, And engage in investor education across their networks.

• What is unique about The Cashmere Fund’s approach to venture capital?

  The Cashmere Fund democratizes access to venture capital by offering a low minimum investment of $500 and semi-annual liquidity windows, making it accessible to non-accredited investors.

• Who else is involved in The Cashmere Fund’s influencer ecosystem?

  The ecosystem includes notable partners such as NFL MVP Josh Allen, fashion entrepreneur Jenna Lyons, and NFL safety Damar Hamlin, all of whom are investors in the fund.

• What types of companies does The Cashmere Fund invest in?

  The fund invests in emerging consumer brands, including companies like Hone Health, Graza Olive Oil, And IQBAR.

• How successful have The Cashmere Fund’s portfolio companies been?

  As of June 30, 2024, The Cashmere Fund’s portfolio companies And affiliated funds have collectively raised over $500 million.

What are your thoughts on college athletes getting involved in venture capital? Do you think this trend will continue to grow? share your comments below!

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Cashmere Fund NIL Deal: College Quarterbacks Partner with Venture Capital

The landscape of college sports is rapidly evolving, and one area experiencing important transformation is the intersection of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals with venture capital (VC). The Cashmere Fund, a Nasdaq-listed VC fund, is at the forefront of this trend, offering a unique investment prospect for college athletes, particularly quarterbacks. This article delves into the cashmere Fund’s model, its impact on NIL deals, and the implications for college sports VC.

Understanding the Cashmere Fund and college Athlete Investment

The Cashmere Fund distinguishes itself by allowing both accredited and non-accredited investors to participate in venture capital. With a relatively low minimum investment of $500, it opens doors to a broader range of investors. This structure allows college athletes to become investors, expanding their financial portfolios beyond traditional NIL deals.This is a shift from typical NIL agreements; rather of directly endorsing a product, these athletes are investing in early-stage companies likely to have significant growth potential.

Key Features of the Cashmere Fund

• Minimum Investment: $500, making it accessible to a wider audience.
• Nasdaq Listed: Enhances transparency and provides a degree of liquidity.
• VC-Backed Startups: Focuses on investing in early-stage, high-growth potential companies.

Quarterbacks and the Cashmere Fund: A New era of NIL

Prominent college quarterbacks, in this case, Sellers, Jennings, and Johnson, are participating in the Cashmere Fund not as part of a typical NIL deal, but as investors. This is a critical distinction. They are leveraging their financial acumen and their name/influence to participate in VC. This approach sets them apart from athletes who merely sign endorsement deals.

How Quarterbacks Benefit

• Portfolio Diversification: Investing in venture capital allows them to diversify their income streams.
• Financial Education: Provides valuable experience in the world of finance and investing.
• Future Opportunities: Possibly builds connections and positions themselves for future entrepreneurial endeavors.

The Impact on the College Sports VC Landscape

This model could revolutionize how college athletes approach financial planning and NIL. It encourages proactive financial management and introduces athletes to the world of venture capital earlier in their careers. The rise of college sports VC underscores how the evolving regulations around NIL are creating new opportunities for college athletes, leading to more sophisticated investments and financial strategies.

Potential Implications

• Increased Financial Literacy: Athletes gain a better understanding of investments,assets,and market trends.
• Long-Term Investment Strategies: Shifts focus from short-term endorsements to long-term financial growth.
• Networking Opportunities: Creating connections with venture capitalists and other entrepreneurs.

Aspect	Traditional NIL Deals	Cashmere Fund Investment
Nature	Endorsement, Promotional	Investment, Ownership
Focus	Short-Term Revenue	Long-Term Growth, Portfolio Diversification
Financial Literacy	Limited	enhanced, Experiential Learning

This shift towards VC investments suggests a long-term trend. College athletes, like professionals, are seeing the value of diversifying their income streams and building financial acumen. The Cashmere Fund example provides a valuable, actionable model for other athletes and funds.