Chris Paul, the former NBA star and eight-year president of the National Basketball Players Association, has transitioned into venture capital after retiring in 2026 following a 21-year basketball career. Throughout his retirement, Paul has remained active in the investment world, building a diverse portfolio of 22 companies, including fintech platform Goalsetter, streaming service PlayersTV, and partnerships with brands like consumer goods and delivery company Gopuff. He also launched Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment in 2025, a media production firm co-founded with his brother CJ Paul.

In a recent announcement on Instagram, Paul revealed his new role as a venture partner at Owl Ventures, a firm managing $2.2 billion in committed capital that focuses on education and workforce innovation startups. Owl Ventures’ portfolio companies serve over 700 million users globally, demonstrating its impact on the education technology sector. Paul’s involvement will center on mentoring emerging leaders, identifying investment opportunities, and fostering connections with founders beyond the sports industry.

Owl Ventures is positioning itself to shape the future of learning and career development, particularly as artificial intelligence transforms education and workforce skills. The firm emphasizes the importance of combining technology with human insight and real-world context to support lifelong learning. Paul expressed pride in joining Owl Ventures, underlining his commitment to supporting education and creating opportunities for future generations, aligning with his personal and family values.

This move reflects a growing trend of former athletes leveraging their influence and business acumen in venture capital, especially in technology-driven sectors. Chris Paul’s appointment highlights the increasing value of diverse perspectives in funding innovation that prepares the next generation for an AI-driven economy. His role at Owl Ventures positions him to make significant contributions to the education technology landscape while continuing his post-NBA impact.