LEADing the Way: Christoph Sonnen, Co-Founder & CEO

At our core, we're more than our investments. 

 is a group of passionate people driven by a shared belief: assisting entrepreneurs evolve to where they need to be. We know that those behind every cutting-edge innovation and world-altering idea are those who dare to lead the way.

We truly embrace the strength of connection, so we want the world to know our leadership team. That’s why each installment in our Q&A series, 

, showcases how the authentic, forward-thinking individuals who make up our team coexist to act on LEAD’s selfless goals and vision.

Backed by decades of experience in the sports and health tech industries, LEAD co-founder and CEO Christoph Sonnen sits down to share his perspective on the traits that make successful entrepreneurs and LEAD's pivotal role in fostering innovation. 

Keep reading to learn all about his passion for improvement through cutting-edge technology and strategic advising, a commitment to balancing personal and professional well-being, and why he believes the people in his life should prioritize the latter.

While you’re here, subscribe to our newsletter using the navigation bar on the left to get insights from LEAD straight into your inbox!

What sets LEAD and its team apart from others?

 LEAD is a global venture corporation distinguished by our deep understanding of the sports and health tech industries and strong network within these fields. Our team comprises seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation. We are not just investors but partners who actively support and mentor startups to achieve their full potential. This hands-on, entrepreneurial approach and our commitment to creating meaningful impact set us apart. Our commitment is to transformational impact rather than marginal change.

Q: Which traits make for a successful founder?

 Successful founders are characterized by resilience, passion, and adaptability. They have a clear vision but are flexible enough to pivot when necessary. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, as founders must inspire and guide their teams through challenges. An in-depth understanding of their market and the ability to make data-driven decisions are also critical. Persistence and the ability to remain focused and motivated, even in the face of setbacks, distinguish successful founders. They must also be lifelong learners, continuously seeking knowledge and improvement to stay competitive.

Q: As the industries evolve, what role do you see LEAD playing in the future of sports and health tech?

 LEAD will continue to be a driving force in the evolution of sports and health tech. As these industries grow, we will identify and support innovative startups that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our role will involve providing the necessary resources, mentorship, and strategic guidance to help these startups thrive. We aim to foster an environment where cutting-edge technologies can flourish, ultimately improving athletic performance and overall health. By staying ahead of industry trends and anticipating future needs, LEAD will remain at the forefront, shaping the future of sports and health tech through our investments and partnerships.

Q: What excites you about being a part of a company improving lives in sports and health?

 The most exciting aspect is witnessing our work's tangible impact on people's lives. Whether it's helping an athlete achieve peak performance or enabling someone to lead a healthier lifestyle, the positive outcomes are gratifying. Being part of this transformative journey and contributing to advancements that enhance well-being and athletic excellence is what drives our passion and commitment. I am eager to provide a financial return to our shareholders while delivering a tangible, non-financial return to society by improving the human condition one innovation at a time.

Q: What is the most impactful thing you do to maintain your health and well-being?

 For me, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is critical; that includes regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and ensuring adequate rest and recovery. With my background in psychology, I am especially focused on mental health - both my own and that of the people around me. Therefore, mindfulness and stress management practices, such as meditation or spending time in nature, play a significant role for me. Staying informed and continuously learning about health and wellness trends helps me integrate the best practices into my daily routine. Startups within and outside the LEAD portfolio provide great, innovative products and services, and I am their biggest advocate, constantly testing new solutions.

Since the beginning, he’s prioritized adaptability, mindfulness, and making an impact.

Traditionally, recovery protocols have been thought of as something reserved for athletes. However, deliberate hot/cold exposure, compression therapy, and percussion guns have percolated into gyms and households. Increasingly, fitness facilities have become a more accessible solution to preventive health compared to the United States healthcare system. 

 program integrating biomarker testing from 

, giving customers the ability to deeply understand their health and connecting them with sleep, nutrition, and health experts. 

, a gym with multiple locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, partnered with 

 to offer blood and DNA testing, allowing members to track progress and receive personalized nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle recommendations. Across the United States, Crunch Fitness gyms have introduced saunas, and Planet Fitness gyms have introduced red light therapy. 

Far from cultural fads, these protocols are validated by scientific studies. Sauna use, with its 

 years of history, has been shown to decrease the risk of mortality from all causes 

 when comparing frequent sauna users to infrequent users. Cold exposure has been shown to 

. Red/near infrared (NIR) light therapy, on the other hand, has known 

Recovery protocols once used by elite athletes have now been adopted among office workers, not because of the desire to become top athletes, but because people are increasingly looking outside the healthcare system to support their health. The trend is due to many factors, but this short blog will focus on three: the increasing assault on our health, dissatisfaction with healthcare systems, and consumers deciding to take charge of their well-being by focusing on preventive health. 

According to the U.S. National Health Survey data from July 1957 - June 1959, there were about 

 of diabetes per 1,000, a rate of 0.9%. In less than 65 years, 

 of the U.S. population had diabetes in 2021. As of 2023, more than 

 American adults have prediabetes, making nearly 

 the U.S. population either diabetic or prediabetic. Cancer rates are 

 among adults at younger ages, and new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. are expected to top 

 for the first time in 2024. Since 1973, total sperm count in Western countries has 

, corresponding to a 1.6% decline per year. Nearly 

 of young Americans between the ages of 3-17 have a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. The statistics can continue - our bodies are not functioning well in today’s environment. 

At the same time, healthcare spending in the U.S. reached 

 of working-age Americans, or 72 million people, have medical bill problems or are paying off medical debt, and that’s not including an additional 7 million elderly adults facing the same issues. For cancer patients in the United States, the average cost of medical care and drugs is more than 

 in the year following a cancer diagnosis. Two years after a cancer diagnosis, 

 of Americans have depleted their entire life’s assets. It is no wonder then, that 

 of U.S. adults report that the healthcare system is failing them. 

If we asked children how they are doing in school, would we be satisfied if the answer was “Great, I didn’t fail the tests?” Yet, healthcare systems today primarily 

 on disease, specialty care, and technology rather than preventive care; health is framed almost exclusively in the 

, and achieving “health” means that one hasn’t been diagnosed with a disease or a major risk factor for disease. Patients are 

 based on the level of the problem. In an acuity table consisting of four levels - stable, moderate risk, complex patient, and high-risk patient, the best one can do is stable.

Yet, we want to be more than just stable, and the disconnect between health and the healthcare system is not limited to the United States. The World Health Organization defines 

 as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The definition aligns with how most people think about health. In a 

 of 19,000 respondents across 19 countries said their mental health is as important as their physical health, and a majority viewed their spiritual and social health as “extremely” or “very important.” Yet, less than 

 of physicians and nurses worldwide were trained in managing mental health problems in 2020. Moreover, a large and growing body of evidence suggests that at least 

 of our health are outside conventional healthcare systems.

Often, the pursuit of optimizing one’s health gets the “biohacking” label, one that’s typically reserved for affluent people or elite athletes. However, why is spending on a pill or surgery a more legitimate health intervention than walking in nature, engaging in social interactions, eliminating ultra-processed foods, and limiting exposure to pesticides/herbicides? The distinction between “clinical” and “lifestyle” health interventions is mostly 

 - if something works, it works; if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. 

Dr. Casey Means, a Stanford-trained physician and co-founder of 

, commented on the root cause of the chronic disease 

 with Athletech News: “Most of the chronic diseases and chronic symptoms facing the U.S. - essentially, all the top killers of Americans today - are rooted in the same thing, which is metabolic dysfunction.” However, the paradigm of Western healthcare has led us to largely 

 metabolic health, and instead focus on treating all the downstream symptoms that result from metabolic dysfunction. 

When reflecting on the trend of GLP-1 drugs, Dr. Means expresses concerns, not because of a lack of efficacy, but because it doesn’t address the causes of the problems, which are unhealthy lifestyles and toxic living environments. Dr. Means explains:

It’s a very dark trend that is essentially trying to gaslight Americans to believe that health is found in a weekly injection for life and not from changing the environment that is so obviously crushing our ability to be healthy. If you had a sick fish in a fish tank filled with dirty polluted water, you obviously would not inject that fish every week for the rest of its life. You would change out the water.

 that we drink continue to burden our bodies rather than nourish them. The adoption of various “recovery” protocols in households and gyms is a reflection of our desire to be more than just symptom-free - we want to be well physically, mentally, and socially. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the world are 

 focused on improving their health and well-being. In 2022, around 

 of U.S. consumers report wellness as a top priority in their daily lives, a significant increase from 42 percent in 2020. As science-backed protocols and technologies such as at-home diagnostics become more accessible, consumers are increasingly looking outside the healthcare system to improve metabolic functions and achieve health - a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. 

When various infrastructures fall short of supporting and maintaining our health, entrepreneurship can help close the gap. At LEAD, we are excited to support companies such as 

, and others that are making it easier to live healthier lives, and we are committed to continue supporting bold founders and innovative solutions that will help people achieve and maintain true health.

The Future of Wellness and Health

(Oct. 2, 2024) — MLB Players, Inc., today announced a venture partnership with LEAD ONE, the new direct investment vehicle within LEAD Sports and Health Tech Partners. 

This strategic alliance is designed to accelerate innovation in sports and health technology by pairing LEAD’s industry expertise with MLB Players Inc.’s commitment to growing the game of baseball at both the youth and professional levels.  MLB Players, Inc., will have unprecedented access through LEAD to the most cutting-edge startups and technologies, while providing access to a pipeline of athletes who are passionate about training, nutrition and recovery and will help drive LEAD ONE’s portfolio of businesses to the next level. 

Technologies centered on an athlete’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) will be an overarching focus. The new partnership will put baseball players at the forefront of products that support athlete performance, health and wellness, brand building, and advance youth development technologies to bolster the game’s future.

“Baseball players, at all levels, are focused more and more on human performance and understanding how they train, what they eat, how they recover, and ensuring that they are ready to perform at the highest level,” said MLB Players, Inc. Managing Director Evan Kaplan. “By partnering with LEAD, we will provide emerging technology companies with guidance based on our extensive experience and access to engage elite athletes for input.’’ 

Justin Driscoll, Principal of Investments & Portfolio at LEAD, added, “The LEAD team is inspired by the MLB Players Inc.’s impressive track record of reimagining and advancing players' interests and priorities. We are thrilled to collaborate with MLB Players, Inc., sharing a forward-thinking outlook on what our industry looks like over the next decade.

Their forward-thinking mindset perfectly aligns with a startup's innovative outlook when envisioning the future over the next decade.”

MLB Players, Inc. is the business arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association. The Major League Baseball Players Association (

) is the collective bargaining representative for all professional baseball players of the 30 Major League Baseball teams and serves as the exclusive group licensing agent for commercial and licensing activities involving active Major League Baseball players. On behalf of its members, it operates the Players Choice licensing program and the Players Choice Awards, which benefit the needy through the Major League Baseball Players Trust (

), a charitable foundation established and run entirely by Major League Baseball players. Follow: @MLBPA on 

LEAD is a global venture corporation shaping the future of sports and health. As institutional investors with an entrepreneurial mindset, LEAD operates an investment division - sourcing, funding, and driving the growth of early-stage startups worldwide - and an innovation services division - advising organizations on their innovation and investment initiatives. Positioned within LEAD’s family of funds, LEAD ONE will invest in ten companies annually with $1M earmarked. For more information, visit 

MLB Players, Inc. and LEAD ONE forge strategic alliance to drive sports tech development.

 MLB Players, Inc. joins LEAD as an Official Venture Partner

At our core, we're more than our investments. LEAD is a group of passionate people driven by a shared belief: assisting entrepreneurs evolve to where they need to be. We know that those behind every cutting-edge innovation and world-altering idea are those who dare to 

Visionary innovator Nathalie Sonne brings a wealth of experience to her role in LEAD's innovation arm. As a new mother and industry leader, she exemplifies the delicate balance between professional excellence and personal fulfillment, shattering stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of innovators. In this LEADing the Way feature, Nathalie unveils the unique synergy between sports, health, and technology that powers LEAD's work. 

Offering a glimpse into her evolving role, Nathalie shares her passion for creating innovations that tangibly improve lives and reveals her strategies for maintaining peak performance in a high-stakes environment. From the importance of rigorous exercise and nutrition to the power of cultivating meaningful relationships, her insights provide a roadmap for thriving in both personal and professional spheres. Dive into the mind of a multifaceted leader who's reshaping the landscape of sports and health tech while never losing sight of what truly matters.

While you’re here, subscribe to our newsletter for future updates!

Q: Why is LEAD well-positioned to make an impact through its innovation arm?

: At LEAD, we’re uniquely positioned to make an impact because of our holistic approach to innovation paired with our distinct product offering. We sit at the intersection of cutting-edge technology, strategic investments, and a global network of experts in both sports and health. Our deep understanding of these industries allows us to identify emerging trends, adapt quickly, and deliver solutions that directly address real-world challenges. We are not "consultants to consult" – we stay true to our core expertise to deliver prompt, meaningful and in-depth results. So whether you're looking for support in sourcing and vetting deal flow and/or technology, understanding markets and future competition, wanting to build innovation initiatives (CVC's, accelerator programs etc.), or understanding equity endorsement opportunities for yourself or your athlete clients - all in the world of sports and health tech – we are likely the perfect partner for you.


Q: How does the innovation arm of LEAD operate, and who can benefit most from getting involved?

Any corporation, team or entity that wants to drive innovation through Sports and Health tech (investing or not), but does not have the internal resources or expertise, can benefit from engaging with us. If you’re just getting started, wanting to build a team or not, or aren’t satisfied with the status quo of your own innovation initiatives, we can most probably help. We can be your extended investment team resource through a retainer model, or we put together a tailored, limited project depending on your needs. Whatever it is, we usually pull in resources from across our corporation, especially the investment unit, to deliver on insights, but we also call on our entire network of mentors, entrepreneurs and investors to pull in additional expertise if necessary.


Q: Can you take us through what a day in your life looks like at LEAD?

Just like my colleagues have said it before – there is no typical day at LEAD, and yes, that is the actual beauty of it. Having been with LEAD for a whooping 7.5 years now, my work days have significantly changed though when becoming a mother. I used to travel a lot, attended events all over the world and spent a lot of energy on building relationships. Now fierce time management, laser focus, saying “no” when necessary and maximum flexibility are key to my days.

I dedicate many of my afternoons to my toddler yet at the same time have to make time for mostly U.S. based conversations, so 10PM calls are no rare occasion. What has become rare though is taking time for lunch meetings; but I keep trying to make room to meet people as much as I can, as I know not only do potential business opportunities come from that, but also does my personal motivation and wellbeing depend on nurturing relationships and drawing inspiration from what all these fantastic people around me are working on and thinking about.

 The most exciting aspect of being a part of LEAD is the direct impact we can and do have on people's lives. Whether it's helping an athlete optimize their performance through cutting-edge tech or improving public health through innovations in wearable technology, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how our work positively affects individuals and communities. Sports and health are integral to well-being and happiness, and knowing that we're driving innovations that make people healthier, stronger, and more connected to their goals is a powerful motivator. Additionally, the pace of technological advancement in these fields is exhilarating and I've always loved the fact that there is never a moment of stand-still at LEAD.

From how I’ve described my day to day, it's probably become clear that maintaining a health and well-being routine is a must-do focus for me. I am striving to be the best version of myself, not only for myself, but more importantly for my family; I do not want to take stress out on a 2-year old that will not be able to put it into context.

So what do I do? Each week I schedule time for workouts (big fan of yoga, pilates, barre and HIIT), and I also try to implement as much movement as possible into my days, e.g. by cycling anywhere and everywhere, climbing playgrounds and happily living on a fifth floor with no elevator. Nutrition is key, and while there is always room for improvement, I'm mostly happy with my daily choices. I also put more and more focus on my sleep hygiene knowing that this is probably the most important puzzle piece here.

While this constitutes my health and well-being “strategy”, it would be a house of cards if I didn’t allocate time to spend with family and friends. Sometimes there’s only enough time for a voice message exchange, sometimes it’s an entire weekend spent together – the crucial bit for me is to take time to connect and check on the people I care about. It is such a cliché, but it’s true – healthy and strong relationships are what keep us grounded, balanced, as well as safe and happy in this crazy fast-paced world of today.

Our Chief Innovation Officer unveils the unique synergy between sports, health, and technology that powers LEAD's work.

LEADing the Way: Nathalie Sonne, Chief Innovation Officer

“When people dare me, I want to show them how it’s done!” 

This is motivation in its purest form, a driving factor for Shavini Fernando, a VR and game developer-turned-founder of 

. Her backstory is as inspirational as what she’s managed to build in such a short time – which still keeps growing. Earlier this month, Shavini sat down with our Chief Innovation Officer Nathalie Sonne to discuss her path to founding OxiWear, here’s what we learned.

OxiWear aims to reduce patient vulnerability to 

through continuous oxygen monitoring and low-oxygen alerting. The Virginia-based company simplifies this process using a sleek and discreet ear-wearable, positioning itself in the ever-evolving world of wearable technology.

But Fernando’s story dates further back. She reflects on it candidly, saying, “I was an athlete! I was a sprinter and a swimmer — I didn’t know I had a hole in my heart. I never got diagnosed. By overtraining, I busted my lungs and heart.” She was diagnosed with Eisenmenger Syndrome in 2015. “My lungs have readjusted to support my lifestyle, so I have severe pulmonary hypertension along with it.”

As a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension, she is prone to hypoxia, which has led to several cardiac arrests and hypoxic strokes. “What happens is, suddenly, my oxygen drops really low, or my blood flow starts reversing, which can cause oxygen to drop,” she describes in more detail. 

Upon earning her Master’s Degree in Technology and Culture at Georgetown University, she suffered from an episode of cardiac arrest. “The doctor said I can’t live alone and can’t study at Georgetown because it was too hilly for me.” Some may see this as prudent advice, but Fernando saw it as a dare. 

“To prove to my doctors that I can live alone and I can still do my normal, crazy, and adrenaline stuff, I developed OxiWear, so I can know when my oxygen levels are dropping low,” she starts before taking the routine next step, “then everyone wanted me to commercialize it!”   

Before this September, OxiWear patiently waited for certified FDA approval, although Fernando describes how important it is to raise money when obstacles arise.

“If you don’t show any money coming in, it makes it even harder to raise money! You need to be flexible and find a way to divert the route while sticking to your mission.” 

But even in challenging situations, Fernando knows that veering off track is just an opportunity to prove herself, saying, “Once you’ve had a cardiac arrest and been revived, your panic button is disabled for life. No matter what happens, you just know life will work itself out.” And so it has, with premier advisors and investors joining the fold, including Ted Leonsis, CEO of Monumental Sports. 

This growing relationship with the famed entrepreneur began at a pitch competition in Georgetown arranged by Leonsis’ family. After some time and a $40,000 prize, “I went to him and said, ‘we’re just opening up investing and… would you be willing to introduce me to some people in your network?’ He said, ‘That’s not what you should ask young lady… you should say, ‘Ted, I want you to invest in my company!’”

On the topic of more diversity in the health and wellness tech sector, she asserts what all founders should: “Do not judge a book by its cover! When I first went to 

, they thought I just came out of college. They thought I wasn’t going to be able to do it. Most of them wanted a male white founder.” “Whether it’s a male or a female, what you should check is how driven they are and how much they can do. Not their color or their gender or their background or their age.”

Since she’s past that beginner’s stage and the 

 is secured, a new chapter unfolds for OxiWear. “Now, we can openly go to any part of the market and sell, then tap into the entire pipeline!” Fernando exclaims, recalling their tip-toeing approach before regulatory approval. “It was tricky because it's not just about getting approval from the FDA; it’s the competitors who are always watching and trying to put you down before that. So you need to be careful until you have that clearance."

 is sleek, Fernando laughs off the finer things, suggesting, "If you’re a hardware medical founder, you need to put a luxury life aside!” Her logic? “You’re often the lowest-paid person on the team.” And so is the case for many entrepreneurs, who often watch growth from a bird’s-eye-view and take all the emotional upside that goes along with seeing their vision expand.

As for its potential effects on society and chronic oxygen health issues, she says, “It will be one of those devices that help you make decisions faster and make people confident not to let any disease define their life.” After asking if this will also be fit for prevention, she nods with a resounding yes before I can even finish, responding, “It will be more of a preventative and safety device.” So, even though OxiWear’s distinct gadget does not cure people, it will keep them healthy before matters worsen.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” she declares.

The inspirational founder and her FDA-approved hardware are prepared to aid humanity.

 Shavini Fernando Is Building a Healthier World with OxiWear

At our core, we're more than our investments. LEAD is a group of passionate people driven by a shared belief: assisting entrepreneurs evolve to where they need to be. We know that those behind every cutting-edge innovation and world-altering idea are those who dare to lead the way.

We truly embrace the strength of connection, so we want the world to know our team. That’s why each installment in our Q&A series, LEADing the Way, showcases how the authentic, forward-thinking individuals who make up our team coexist to act on LEAD’s  goals and vision.

With nearly four years at LEAD, Justin Driscoll embodies the heart of our mission. His passion for improving lives through sports technology's transcendent power stands out, as he highlights their profound impact on everyday citizens and communities. That enthusiasm, met by his unwavering dedication to our team and shared vision for what’s next in sports and health tech, make him a critical piece of our puzzle. Here, he reveals the dynamic evolution within LEAD's support for startups, offering a glimpse into the winding avenue of venture capital.

Before leaving, Justin also shares his strategy for stabilizing health and well-being amidst the demands of any fast-paced career. Look a little deeper and learn how Justin's commitment to innovation came to light – and what you can take from it.

Q: How has the rise of athlete investors impacted the venture capital landscape, and how do they significantly impact a company?

: Athlete investors have emerged as a strategic asset for companies, offering a unique combination of personal brand, competitive spirit, and network access that adds value beyond their financial commitment. This trend continues to shape the venture landscape as founders seek to add the right people to their cap table. Professional athletes leverage their platform to support companies through brand visibility. It's crucial for startups to clearly define what they're looking for when working with an athlete investor, and we advise athletes to communicate transparently about what they aspire to offer. When these stakeholders are aligned, athlete investors can open many doors for future success.

Q: How has LEAD evolved to meet the needs of the current startup landscape?

: You constantly hear about startups evolving their business fundamentals, go-to-market strategies, pricing models, and more. I believe it's vital for any venture capital firm to assess the market around them and ensure their services are at the forefront of what the ecosystem needs. LEAD has strongly emphasized this decision-making process through a data-driven lens, focusing on a comprehensive understanding of what founders look for beyond initial funding. This drives our commitment to not only invest in these companies but also actively contribute to their growth and success.

A typical day tends to be incredibly dynamic in content. Still, it will always include speaking with portfolio companies to provide relevant guidance and support, sourcing new opportunities by meeting founders who are fundraising, and conducting diligence on investments through market mapping, financial assessment, and market research. No two days look the same, given how fast-paced our industry moves. When time is available, I spend my energy on continuous learning and network building.

 What excites me the most is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on people's lives through the companies we back. Contributing to the betterment of society through the two sectors that everyone interacts with is incredibly fulfilling. Outside of the financial success we are driven by as a venture firm, my intrinsic motivations are rooted in the triad of intellectual curiosity, industry passion, and appreciation for the journey.

: Prioritizing regular physical activity is the most impactful way I maintain my health and well-being. I incorporate a variety of workouts into my routine, from strength training to cardio to golf. I like challenging myself with new stimuli (i.e., Spartan Races) that constantly push my body to improve. 

He sits down to uncover our secrets behind driving change across industries.

LEADing the Way: Justin Driscoll, Principal of Investments & Portfolio

When I founded LEAD, we were excited technology was finally disrupting sports. Eight years ago, that was a significant change, and we were at the forefront of that innovation. We focused on fan engagement first. Our next vertical, Connected Athletes, remains a magnet for innovation in athlete health and recovery. The intrinsic link between sport and health is evident; consumer data collection in sports and health is the starting point for a significant trend toward predictive healthcare, personalized health solutions, and at-home testing.

Towards the end of 2019, we strategically integrated health into sports at LEAD. This was not just a business decision but a reflection of our core belief that sports and health are inseparable. Beyond the excitement of fandom, the true essence of sports lies in our desire to feel and look better and to live longer and better. Athletes and society increasingly recognize the importance of recovery and self-care, aligning with our vision.

Our commitment to longevity and the emerging field of holistic well-being is unwavering. I recently attended 

 showroom and had an opportunity to interview an expert in this area, 

, our newest shareholder. His focus on biohacking and longevity embodies our optimism and confidence in the future of sports and health.  

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Dr. Greg Bailey is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of 

, a biotech company developing unique therapies and products to help people live healthier and longer lives. He's also a seasoned financier and biotech entrepreneur, honing a laser focus on reimagining the aging process through rigorous scientific efforts. His broad track record, from Palantir Group to Medivation and Biohaven, speaks volumes about his ability to identify and nurture groundbreaking ventures. We're thrilled to have Dr. Bailey join us to share his insights. 

Q: How did your professional journey begin?

My professional journey started a number of years ago in Canada as an emergency medicine doctor. I began to pursue more entrepreneurial ventures in the late 90s. In 2004, I was part of the financing for Medivation and joined their board of directors. This was the first of a series of biotech projects where I've seen the company's market cap go through $32 billion, delivering the number one drug in the world for prostate cancer and the number one drug in its class for migraines. I'm also very proud that the 343 employees from those two companies are now millionaires or multi-millionaires.

Q: How do sports, health, and wellness intersect in the modern age?

The number one lifestyle change you can make to live longer is to be fit, so sports are a great and fun way to maintain your fitness. It also plays an enormous role in wellness. Exercise is both our mental and physical therapy. In recent years, we've seen the intersection of sports, health, and wellness, and the perfect example of that is Tom Brady. I don't believe that, 30 years ago, he would have been able to play until he was 45. Several reasons facilitated this, but proper nutrition, more comprehensive fitness programs, and the extraordinary knowledge we generated on how to recuperate our bodies were integral to his longevity. LEAD is at the forefront of these changes, thanks to Christoph's vision years ago when other people were not capitalizing on this opportunity.

Q: What led you to work in the sports industry?

When I stepped in as CEO of my company, Juvenescence, we only focused on healthy aging – and there were three things I wanted to change. First, I've been enormously lucky to work with the top scientists in the world trying to optimize healthy aging, and I want to share the knowledge. Second, I would like to convince national healthcare services and the payers of health insurance to switch from our current system of healthcare, which is sick care – where you get sick and hope there's a cure or treatment – to the new paradigm of prevention, which will be an enormous game changer. And the third one, which is very important, is to convince people you don't need an MD or PhD to invest in biotech. To widen my funnel of potential investors who might embrace these three changes, I felt that joining LEAD and its goals was a perfect fit.

Q: From your perspective, what's attractive about LEAD? And why is this a great opportunity for you?

LEAD is the perfect fit because it focuses on sports technology, health, and wellness. The people I'm going to meet, I assume, will share my three pillars. The reason that it would be great to have them invest further capital in this sector goes back to a report by Macquarie, which said medical knowledge doubled every three and a half years in 2010. By 2020, because of COVID and the influx of capital,  medical knowledge was doubling every 73 days. So, any extra money we can generate in sports, health, wellness, and biotech can profoundly change people's lives.

I’m hopeful that meeting people from different walks of life will increase the money available for the biotech industry. LEAD is a perfect opportunity for me, as they already lean toward health and wellness. Should LEAD invest, not only do they improve the lives of friends, family, and themselves, but they can literally change the world if people have an extra ten healthy years. So, that leads me to LEAD – one of the pillars of this change. I'm very proud to be part of LEAD.

We shared a conversation with the Juvenescence co-founder.

 Dr. Greg Bailey, MD, Joins LEAD as a Shareholder

With a passion for sports and an eye for innovation, Cat Jordan, LEAD's newly appointed Director of Investments, is poised to make a significant impact. Having dreamt of working in the sports world, she's found her perfect companion at LEAD, where the entrepreneurial spirit and visionary culture go hand in hand with her own ambitions. 

Join us as Cat dives into her role at LEAD, her insights on the intersection of sports, health, and technology, and her unwavering commitment to a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

A: ​​I've always dreamed of returning to the sports world professionally, and having the opportunity to work in this field from an investment and innovation standpoint exceeds all expectations. The team and culture at LEAD are genuinely entrepreneurial and visionary, making it an exciting and inspiring place to be.

A: My core focus is working with our Invest Team, where I lead investor relations and serve as the main line of communication between LEAD and our investors. This role allows me to make a significant impact across industries. I structure my day around these priorities, ensuring that I maintain strong connections with all stakeholders. Throughout the day, I participate in brainstorming sessions, meet with key individuals, and research the latest trends in sports and health to stay informed and ahead of the curve.

A: The most exciting part is seeing how these two fields intersect with technology, which leads us to a promising future for these sectors. Sports not only connects us to our bodies but also to our communities, and this aspect is crucial. Technology enhances these connections and creates new possibilities, making this field so exciting to be a part of. It's a future full of potential and possibilities that I'm thrilled to be a part of.

A: Exercise is key! I maintain peak physical health by working out, playing soccer, and skiing. I also focus on nutrition and emphasize a healthy lifestyle overall. Practicing mindfulness and ensuring I eat nutritious foods that fuel my body and mind effectively are also essential parts of my routine.

Cat's passion for our industries makes her yet another key asset.

 LEADing the Way: Cat Jordan, Director of Investments

(Sept. 10, 2024) — Today, the Orlando Magic announced their official involvement as a venture partner of LEAD ONE, the new pre-seed direct investment vehicle within LEAD’s global family of funds.

The partnership will focus on sourcing innovations and technologies to enhance initiatives for the Magic and their affiliates in several areas, including driving performance, accelerating fan engagement, and driving growth in the sport of basketball.

This strategic partnership between the Orlando Magic and LEAD ONE is designed to accelerate innovation in sports and health technology by pairing LEAD’s industry investment expertise with the Orlando Magic’s continued positioning as an innovator on and off the court. As a venture partner with LEAD ONE, the Magic will have unprecedented access from LEAD to the most cutting-edge startups and technologies across the organization to address their corporate initiatives and strategies. The Magic will lend valuable support to LEAD ONE’s portfolio of early-stage organizations with real-life, traction-oriented deliverables to help drive their businesses to the next level. 

“LEAD has been a great innovation partner for the Orlando Magic and our affiliates,” said Magic Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Jay Riola. “LEAD provides access to impressive, high-potential startups, and their team helps keep a pulse on the most innovative trends and cutting-edge technology in the sports realm.”

“We are excited to naturally expand our trusted, long-term partnership with the Orlando Magic by having them join as a Venture Partner to LEAD’s new pre-seed investment vehicle, " said LEAD’s Chief Investment Officer Thomas Rudy. “The Orlando Magic are well regarded as one of the most innovative franchises in the world of sports. We believe this is an amazing fit, given our shared presence in Orlando and now a common business interest and passion alignment in Germany, too.”

Orlando's NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic's mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. Under the DeVos family’s ownership, the Magic have seen great success in a relatively short history, winning seven division championships (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2019, 2024) with seven 50-plus win seasons and capturing the Eastern Conference title in 1995 and 2009. Off the court, on an annual basis, the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 100,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 7,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) which serves at-risk youth, has distributed more than $29 million to local nonprofit community organizations over the last 34 years. The Magic’s other entities include the team’s NBA G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, 2021 G League champions; the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, which serves as the affiliate to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning; and Magic Gaming of the NBA 2K League. The Magic play their home games at the award-winning Kia Center – voted by fans no. 1 in the NBA for game experience; honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ Customer Experience Award; named Sports Business Journal's Sports Facility of the Year; and awarded the Venue Excellence Award (VEA) by the International Association of Venue Managers. The Magic was also named in the inaugural “Best Places to Work in Sports 2023” awards by the Sports Business Journal, and was the only sports franchise among the four major professional leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB) to be honored. For ticket information, visit OrlandoMagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.

LEAD is a global venture corporation shaping the future of sports and health. As institutional investors with an entrepreneurial mindset, LEAD operates an investment division - sourcing, funding, and driving the growth of early-stage startups worldwide - and an innovation services division - advising organizations on their innovation and investment initiatives. Positioned within LEAD’s family of funds, LEAD ONE is investing $100k checks into pre-seed companies. For more information, visit lead.vc.

In a mutually beneficial relationship, the team will gain access to promising startups that address corporate strategy while accelerating business growth for LEAD ONE.

The Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association Join LEAD as an Official Venture Partner

Wearables have augmented and changed the ways people think about movement and recovery in relation to health, and the technology will continue to have a wide range of applications, from performance optimization and injury prevention to biomedical monitoring and preventive care. Personal ownership of smartwatches and wearables has risen over the past years, with about 

consumer households owning a wearable and 

of wearable owners using it to track heart rate, workout duration, and sleep quality, according to a survey conducted by Deloitte. The market for wearable technology is expected to continue to grow, as 

 of all consumers surveyed by McKinsey expressed an openness to using a wearable at some point in the future. Today, we live in an era where technology can tell us the estimated calories burned, how hard our workout sessions were, and how well we slept. In the future, wearable technology will alert consumers about oncoming illnesses, help manage chronic conditions, and potentially allow doctors to provide more personalized care focused on disease prevention and less on sick care. 

Starting from tracking steps and estimated calories burned in the 

, both hardware and software advancements have allowed wearables to track an increasing amount of data with greater accuracy. Whoop, a company that has its origins in professional sports with LeBron James and Michael Phelps as 

 and can monitor respiratory rate, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and more. In 2021, Whoop was valued at 

With advanced algorithms, existing hardware today can already detect 

 before symptoms appear, and as technology advances, medical-grade physiological monitoring will become increasingly available to consumers. The Samsung Galaxy Watches provide an FDA-authorized 

. Apple, on the other hand, saw its atrial fibrillation (AFiB) tool recently 

, a portfolio company of LEAD, provides continuous, real-time blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate measurements for individuals with chronic diseases, and the wearable technology recently received FDA clearance as a medical device for use in both clinical and home settings. As consumer wearables provide more medical-grade capabilities, preventive care and improved chronic disease management will become more accessible.   

One of the success stories of wearable technology is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for people with diabetes. 

 can be worn for 10 to 14 days, testing glucose every few minutes and wirelessly transmitting the data without fingersticks. Expanding the functionalities of CGMs, 

, a startup backed by a16z, shows the metabolic impact of the diet by matching blood sugar data to food logs. Appealing to health-conscious individuals who want to gain a better insight into their health, companies like 

 have all been reported in recent years for their efforts to create a product that’s needle-free and continuous. 

Moving beyond the wrist, bicep, and fingers, clothing is a useful medium to apply sensors across larger areas of the body. 

 offers smart socks that track cadence and foot landing techniques as well as shirts that measure heart rate. Leveraging its FDA-cleared technology for personal use, 

 offers a chest strap that provides continuous heart monitoring capabilities. As technology continues to advance, sensors will become increasingly integrated into the fabric and capture more biomarkers and biomechanical data.   

Advancements in wearable technology will certainly be life-changing for people with serious chronic conditions, as real-time vital monitoring and emergency alerts will reduce healthcare costs and save lives. Additionally, connected technology increases functionality and helps high-performing individuals prepare for competitions and recover post-game at a faster rate. However, the ubiquitousness of man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) / electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in an ever more intimate setting poses 

. In some unfortunately ironic ways, people with adverse conditions that compromise the body’s defense mechanism are more prone to experience health effects from oxidative stress, but they are also likely to benefit from some form of continuous physiological monitoring.	

Advanced wearable technology doesn't have to be wirelessly connected, and material science has proven to enhance cellular functions without the potential downsides of man-made EMFs/EMR. A great example is CELLIANT©, a product of Hologenic. CELLIANT© is a medical device determined by the FDA. By applying a blend of natural, infrared-emitting minerals to the fabric, CELLIANT© transforms bodily heat into full-spectrum infrared energy and has been demonstrated to 

As both hardware and software continue to improve, medical-grade physiological monitoring will become more accessible and play an increasingly important role in people’s lives. Entrepreneurs creating next-generation connected wearable devices will make purchasing decisions much easier for consumers when they optimize the benefits and limit the potential downsides.

 The Future of Wearable Technology

Having gone from Wall Street's soaring skyscrapers to being a core element of our operation, Thomas Rudy's extensive career in the investment world is wide-spanning. His financial acumen is undeniable, with experience in investment banking, hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital. 

Read along as Thomas delves into the rapidly evolving landscape of sports and health tech, revealing some of the biggest opportunities and challenges to watch. He shares his insights on constructing a winning investment portfolio, his day-to-day experiences at the helm of LEAD's investments, and the unwavering passion that fuels his dedication to improving the human condition.

Q: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges you see coming in sports and health tech in the next 5-10 years?A:

 Often, the biggest opportunities will also pose the biggest challenges. We see AI as a significant driver of sub-verticals within health tech. However, those advances need to be reined in by proper regulation that balances innovation with ethics and high standards, which, given the velocity of AI innovation, poses a substantial challenge. We also anticipate sports and health to continue merging into what we call the "medical consumer." You will see applications on the performance side as well as on the regulated health side.

Q: What is essential to consider when building a strong and successful investment portfolio?

Portfolio construction is important for building a solid portfolio and track record. We believe in balancing the portfolio between companies that can exit faster (i.e., through acquisition) at valuations of $100 million or less with the fitting target returns and in less than 4-5 years to have some smaller but quicker wins. The rest of the portfolio should focus on companies with substantial addressable markets and the ability to reach valuations of $1 billion or more (unicorn status), which takes more, such as 5 to 7 years, but can significantly enhance returns. A portfolio with only small exits or moonshot companies will not create the desired outcomes.

 Every day in the life of the LEAD Chief Investment Officer looks different. I travel a lot to spend time with many of our outstanding investors and shareholders. Given that most of our investors have had tremendously successful careers, I learned a lot from them regarding strategies and got great insights into deal flow. In addition, I spend a lot of time with my investment team to evaluate deal flow, discuss due diligence findings, make investment decisions in investment committee meetings, and ideate new funding vehicles to grow our family of funds. Lastly, significant time is spent with our portfolio companies, both virtually and in person, to understand how we can help and drive value. Of course, fundraising plays a role in this business at all times, on top of that.

Take the expert’s tips on how to build a winning investment portfolio.

LEADing the Way: Christoph Sonnen, Co-Founder & CEO

The Future of Wellness and Health

MLB Players, Inc. joins LEAD as an Official Venture Partner

Magic sign multiyear innovation partnership with LEAD Lake Nona

Posts & News

LEADing the Way: Christoph Sonnen, Co-Founder & CEO

The Future of Wellness and Health

MLB Players, Inc. joins LEAD as an Official Venture Partner

Magic sign multiyear innovation partnership with LEAD Lake Nona

Posts & News

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