Leo Zevin | Page 2

Entrepreneur Susan Michals transformed the negative "cat lady" stereotype into a thriving pop culture phenomenon with CatCon, the world's largest cat-focused event.

Amanda Calabrese and Greta Meyer turned a college project into Sequel, the first spiral tampon, now backed by a WNBA partnership with the Indiana Fever.

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe turned his personal recovery routine into a business venture by investing in and partnering with organic sports drink brand Recover 180. Volpe is taking a thoughtful approach to brand building as he begins expanding his impact beyond the baseball field.

Backed by lead investor and 3-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes, Throne SPORT COFFEE is disrupting the $5B ready-to-drink coffee market.

One Court Africa hosted NBA players at UM6P in Marrakech for a four-day program focused on social entrepreneurship and sustainable business, which included mentoring six African startups and awarding $160K in grants through its Innovation Challenge.

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony is launching StayMe7o to bring equity and elevate Black entrepreneurs, partnering with Grand National Founder Jesce Horton to focus on legacy over profit.

The D'Amelios' latest venture, Be Happy Snacks, blends purpose with popcorn, bringing mental health awareness and Gen Z flavor to Walmart's shelves.

Fanatics Fest is redefining live sports events by blending culture, entertainment and fan experiences into an immersive festival unlike anything the sports world has seen.

NYC sports legends Stephon Marbury and José Reyes bring their signature swagger and hands-on creative input to elevate Chamelo's brand and expand its reach.

The Next Chapter is a premier 1v1 league turning streetball culture into a marketable, competitive sport. With unique players and pay-per-view events, the league aims to become a billion-dollar basketball business.

After overcoming a traumatic childhood and early career uncertainty, Angie Nwandu built The Shade Room into one of Instagram's most influential media platforms by listening to her audience, betting on herself and never backing down from the hustle.

Despite billions spent on sports medicine, ankle injuries remain stubbornly common. With roots in the NBA Launchpad, Betterguards is redefining injury prevention under CEO Tony Verutti by putting science — and athletes — first.

The Hall of Famer and businesswoman teamed up with Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp to celebrate Small Business Hero Day, which highlights entrepreneurs like her who are building lasting legacies through purpose and community impact.

GLORY is betting on creators to grow kickboxing in the U.S., launching an exclusive-to-attend, free-to-stream fight series tailored for digital-first audiences.

By combining analytics and entrepreneurial strategy, Two Circles is changing the future of sports and fan engagement.

Nutrabolt, the maker of C4 Energy, is set to exceed $1 billion in sales by 2025 with a disruptive premium strategy in supplement distribution. Find out how partner Kevin Hart enhanced the brand's authenticity and cultural influence as he transitions from consumer to boardroom collaborator.

The National Thoroughbred League, founded by Randall Lane and Bob Daugherty and supported by celebrities like Lamar Jackson and Julius Erving, hopes to modernize horse racing through team competition, media storytelling and fan engagement while prioritizing horse safety and growth.

Chris Paul, a 20-year NBA veteran, is transforming the snack industry with his plant-based brand Good Eatn, which aims to make healthier options both accessible and delicious.

BODYARMOR's new 'Choose Better' campaign is tapping stars like Joe Burrow and Sabrina Ionescu to help with its rebrand. The brand is focusing on authenticity and Kobe Bryant's legacy as it debuts new packaging, reduced-sugar options and products to reflect smarter hydration choices.

When a single question made Heather Lowery realize the lack of support for women in live music, she turned it into a mission. Now, as the founder of Femme It Forward, she's empowering the next generation through mentorship, events and initiatives.

PlayersTV, co-founded by Collin Castellaw and Deron Guidrey, is an athlete- and fan-owned media network redefining sports media. It has achieved a $75 million pre-money valuation, demonstrating the appeal of its innovative model.

With a powerhouse team of female executives driving its success, gamma. is proving that empathy and emotional intelligence are the ultimate competitive advantage.

18-year-old Boogie Fland signed his first NIL deal at 15, becoming New York's first high school athlete to secure a sponsorship. As he prepares for the NBA draft, he reflects on the insights he learned from his business manager, Julian Aiken, with Entrepreneur.

Playmaker transformed athlete-hosted podcasts into a $25 million media powerhouse by combining engaging video content and authentic talent. Playmaker was acquired by Better Collective, a global digital sports media group, in 2024.

Kyle Kuzma has navigated the highs and lows of the NBA, from winning a championship with the Lakers to facing struggles with the Wizards — now with the Bucks, he's embracing his journey and controlling his own narrative.

Chad Mumm is reshaping golf's image with Full Swing, making the sport more compelling for a wider audience. He is also capitalizing on golf's pop culture rise with Happy Gilmore 2 and The Vanity Index podcast.

The Roommates Podcast, hosted by Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, combines genuine conversation with a focus on business, all under the guidance of co-host Matt Hillman. With his marketing savvy, Hillman helps with brand collaborations and improves the podcast's reach and impact.

Along with her business partner and ex-husband, serial entrepreneur Jacob Pechenik, Deschanel founded Lettuce Grow. This hydroponic vertical garden system allows you to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers at home.

Jrue Holiday's partnership with Rhone is built on authenticity, aligning his values of mental fitness and community impact with the brand's mission.

Jeff Shardell's fascinating career has spanned from Google to storm chasing. His latest venture, Humble Brands, aims to revolutionize the sustainable deodorant industry — starting from his own kitchen.