LOS ANGELES, CA, October 1, 2021 -- Last month, Crossover VC, in partnership with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), hosted the inaugural Crossover (LA)UNCHPAD event in Los Angeles, CA.

With technology playing an ever-increasing role in today’s society, Crossover and the NBPA teamed up to create a slate of offseason programming aimed at bringing together current and former NBA players with founders and executives from some of today’s hottest technology startups. With a focus on education and fostering new connections, programming over the multi-day event included:

• Beyond BBQ & Pool Party - Presented by Beyond Meat, this event featured a poolside chat with NBA All-Star and Beyond Meat Ambassador, DeAndre Jordan.

• Wine  x  Tech Master Class - Presented by The Prisoner Wine Company and hosted by notable LA sommelier Devin Reed and NBA star & wine aficionado Moe Harkless, this class provided networking and micro-presentations from founders of various billion-dollar technology startups.

• Rethink the Content Game: A THINK450 Creators Residency - Hosted by the NBPA, this program brought together athletes, entertainers, founders, and influencers with a passion for creating content and shaping culture through technology.

• Talent x Tech Private Dinners - Hosted by Crossover VC in partnership with Gopuff and Silicon Valley Bank, these private dinners brought together current and former NBA players in an intimate and curated setting where they could interact with founders and executives of some of today’s top tech startups.

Attendees of the inaugural Crossover (LA)UNCHPAD event included current and former NBA players, Olympians, NFL players, and dozens of founders and executives from venture-backed private technology startups and public technology companies alike.

“We were proud to partner with Crossover for the inaugural (LA)UNCHPAD event, and to provide the opportunity for our members to engage with and learn from so many leaders in the technology sector,” said Que Gaskins, the interim president of THINK450, the innovation and partnership engine of the NBPA. “Basketball is only a part of who today’s NBA players are, and we are excited to partner with Crossover to provide our members with additional resources and opportunities to learn how they can unlock opportunities beyond the court.”

“Today’s athletes are the tastemakers, the kingmakers, and the agents of influence. Dribbling a basketball is just a small fraction of who the modern athlete is, and thanks to technology, the power of an athlete’s brand and influence is only increasing,” added Crossover Founder and Managing Partner, Noah Lichtenstein. “We are proud to partner with the NBPA and support the organization’s leadership in investing in the success of its members both on and off the court.”

About the NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including through the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, and counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the players’ group licensing rights.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members, the NBPA Foundation provides support and assistance to persons, communities and organizations around the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need.

About THINK450

THINK450 is the innovation and partnership engine of the NBPA, dedicated to uncovering shared interests between the 450 players and leading brands to build more engaging partnerships. Together with its partners, THINK450 creates original ideas that engage fans, stir them to action, and earn brands the right to participate in cultural conversations. For more information, visit THINK450.com.

About Crossover VC

Crossover is an early-stage venture capital investment and services platform providing diversified access to investing in the private technology sector. The firm is led by a seasoned team with more than 30 years experience building and investing in Silicon Valley, and is proudly backed by a diverse network of founders, institutions, family offices, and dozens of the top professional athletes and entertainers in the world.

Technology is powering the New Economy, and Crossover provides today’s athletes and entertainers with balanced and diversified access to investing in the top private technology opportunities alongside a network of prominent family offices, institutions, and founders + execs.

Beyond investing, the Crossover platform provides a suite of personalized services and education to help the modern athlete and entertainer unlock access to participating in—and capitalizing on—the technology-driven New Economy.