About Us

Who We Are

KB Partners is a suburban Chicago based investment firm focused on early stage venture capital investments at the intersection of sports and technology. We help build dominant new enterprises by working in partnership with talented entrepreneurs and experienced managers.

Our firm got its start in 1996 by making a series of angel investments in a variety of early stage companies. We then raised two early stage technology-oriented traditional venture capital funds, KB Partners Venture Fund I and KB Partners Venture Fund II. After the two venture funds were invested and harvested, founder Keith Bank returned to angel investing in individual deals in combination with a variety of co-investors. We are now investing out of KB Partners Myriad Opportunity Fund I & II.

Our Core Values

  • Conduct our business with honesty and integrity.
  • Exhibit professionalism in all of our endeavors.
  • Foster productive, engaging and long-term relationships.
  • Strive to create a win/win situation for all partners.

“Experience is not taught, and those who have navigated through adversity know how valuable experience can be. Keith and the KB Partners team really know how to help you think through challenges and tackle obstacles. They are truly committed to being ‘value add’ partners via their actions, not just words.”

—
Joe Lee Co-Founder & CEO, Club Champion

“KB Partners’ deep relationships and business strategy partnerships were ideal for us at a critical stage. With a commitment to a financial structure that is a win-win for the investors and entrepreneurs, KB Partners is able to ensure continued support for – and successful outcomes from – the companies they fund.”

—
Stan Woodward CEO, MVPIndex

“As an emerging company, we wanted more than just access to a VC’s pocketbook. Keith has not only contributed as an insightful member of our Board but also has rolled up his sleeves and assisted us wherever and whenever possible.”

—
Scott Paseltiner Co-Founder & Chairman, Phenix

“Keith is an entrepreneur who brings decades of in-the-trench experience to every deal he does. In good times, Keith has been a great supporter. In bad times, he has been even more helpful. His passion is contagious and is matched only by his boundless energy.”

—
Mike Lazerow Founder, Buddy Media & GOLF.com

“We wanted strategic minded, ‘hands on’ investors with unparalleled integrity and true grit, and in KB Partners that is exactly what we got. Keith Bank and his team have been trusted partners to us at Full Swing and the connections and insights they bring to the table are invaluable.”

—
Ryan Dotters CEO, Full Swing Golf

Our Approach

We look for great teams who are building innovative companies at the intersection of sports and technology. Our angel investing approach and venture capital structure allow us to be flexible and opportunistic investors, while our operating experience allows us to provide hands-on support to entrepreneurs transforming their companies into market leaders.

  • Investment Stage
    • Early stage – we are usually the first institutional capital into a company.
  • Investment Size
    • $1 million to $3 million initially with a similar amount reserved for follow-on investment.
  • Sector
    • Confluence of sports & technology yet retain the flexibility to step outside that focus for truly compelling opportunities.
  • Geography
    • Strong United States preference.
  • People
    • Passionate entrepreneurs and strong management teams.

Interested in partnering with us?

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