In this week’s episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurship: Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with former professional basketball standout Keaton Nankivil — a Madison-born Badger who took his game across Europe before stepping into a new arena: venture capital.
Keaton’s transition wasn’t a straight shot. From the highs of competing in Germany, Spain, Latvia, and Italy… to the quiet space that followed his retirement, he opens up about the identity shift every athlete eventually faces. His honesty, perspective, and humility make this a conversation every current and former athlete needs to hear.
This episode dives deep into the themes that shape life after sports:
*healing, reinvention, community, and rediscovering purpose.
-What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- 🧭 Navigating the Transition:** Why stepping away from sports requires emotional recovery — and why athletes should give themselves the space to breathe before rushing into “what’s next.”
- 🤝 The Power of Community:** How leaning on trusted people can accelerate clarity and confidence during transition.
- 🚀 A New Path in Venture Capital:** What drew Keaton into early-stage investing and why he’s committed to the intersection of **sports, culture, and human connection**.
- 🔄 Redefining Identity:** How to move from “I’m an athlete” to “I’m a builder, creator, and contributor” in the next chapter.
- 🌍 Sports & Humans First:** An inside look at how Keaton and Alumni Ventures invest in companies that bring people together and unlock human potential.
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About Keaton Nankivil
After starring at the **University of Wisconsin**, Keaton spent five years playing professionally across Europe before transitioning into venture capital. Today, he leads the **Sports & Humans First** practice at **Alumni Ventures**, backing founders who elevate human experience and connection.
🔗 Connect with Keaton:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/knankivil/
#Special Invitation from the Guest
Keaton and Alumni Ventures operate an **Investment Syndicate** that gives **accredited investors** access to early-stage startups in the sports + human-connection space.
Sign up free — *no obligation to invest:
👉 https://www.av.vc/human-first-syndicate
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Alumni Direct**, we’re committed to helping former athletes build meaningful community long after the roar of the crowd fades. If you’re navigating transition, craving connection, or looking for a place where your next chapter is supported — you’re in the right place.
👉 Join a community built for athletes, creators, and leaders:**
https://www.alumnidirect.com/
Because no one should walk the post-career journey alone.