The Athlete Influencer Era: Navigating NIL with Support That Wins
NIL is changing the game. Athletes need funding, strategy, and support to turn influence into impact and build lasting careers.
4-minute read
The funding landscape is more challenging than ever, especially for early-stage builders. Traditional venture capital has become more selective, banks remain cautious about risk, and not everyone has access to wealthy networks. For many founders, the journey from idea to traction is blocked by a simple yet persistent problem: access to aligned capital.
At Chisos, we understand that early-stage builders need support that is flexible, equitable, and fast. That is why we have designed our funding model to meet people where they are. We offer capital that does not require giving up significant equity stakes, jumping through excessive hoops, or betting the whole business on unrealistic growth expectations.
Venture capital is increasingly concentrated around later-stage startups with strong growth and proven revenue, or early-stage companies building in buzzy sectors like AI. For first-time founders or those outside the current hype cycle, this creates a widening gap in access to capital. Investors are demanding traction or trend alignment before most can realistically deliver either.
Bank loans typically require strong financials, collateral, or personal guarantees. For creators building digital brands or founders launching a new product line, these requirements can be nearly impossible to meet. Many deserving ventures are denied the runway they need to get started.
Today’s builders do not fit one mold. Whether you are an athlete launching a performance brand, a fund manager building a niche investment strategy, or a founder scaling a cash-efficient DTC company, your needs and your path are different. Capital should support those differences, not punish them.
Chisos was created to fill this unmet need in the funding ecosystem. We back early-stage builders with investment capital that does not require immediate revenue, equity sacrifice, or a traditional funding pedigree. Here is how our approach stands apart:
Day 0 Check
You’re just getting started. You’ve got a vision, but you need to build your MVP or proof of concept. Our Day 0 Check is designed to get you moving quickly. This early infusion of capital helps transform your idea into something tangible that you can test, show, and iterate on.
Catalyst Check
You’ve gained some early traction and have people showing interest, but they’re not ready to commit. Maybe you're in conversations with potential partners or early investors, but no one’s written the check yet. With Chisos, you can secure funding quickly. Having a term sheet and capital in the bank can give others the confidence to follow your lead.
Mini-Bridge
You’re scaling and need a bit more runway. Perhaps you’re gearing up for a larger round, or you need inventory to meet growing demand. Our capital can bridge the gap. It helps you hit key milestones, unlock revenue, or prepare for that next raise without rushing into an unfavorable deal.
At Chisos, we know that innovation lives well beyond traditional tech startups. From e-commerce and apparel to consumer products, niche businesses, and emerging investment funds, we back scalable ventures built by founders who are deeply committed to what they’re building. What matters to us is a clear vision, a sustainable path forward, and the grit to get there.
Loren Lewin, Founder of Companion Candles, is a standout example of the kind of founder we are proud to support. Chisos provided early-stage funding when other capital sources were out of reach. That investment helped her deliver product to early customers, and build meaningful traction, all without having to give up major ownership early on.
"Studies consistently show that female entrepreneurs face huge challenges in securing startup capital. I am so lucky to have found Chisos Capital to provide early funding for my CPG business. This team is more than just a capital partner. They’ve offered intros and ideas that continue to propel me and my company forward in this crazy entrepreneurial journey."
— Loren Lewin, Founder of Companion Candles
Loren’s experience captures what we see across our portfolio. With the right capital and community, driven founders can take bold steps forward.
Amanda Levay, Founder of Redactable, illustrates how founder-aligned capital can change the game. Chisos invested in Amanda at the pre-seed stage, offering the space and support to refine her product, reach early adopters, and eventually attract additional investment, without compromising control of her company.
"Chisos stands behind you, and that's exactly what I'm looking for. As a founder, they were genuinely interested in what I was doing. Chisos is complimentary as a partner. They're hands-on when needed, but also give me the freedom and flexibility to lead the way."
— Amanda Levay, Founder of Redactable
Amanda’s story reflects a simple truth. Founders don’t just need capital; they need belief, breathing room, and a partner who supports their journey without getting in the way.
Chisos is proud to support a diverse group of builders. Our approach is especially useful for:
What unites the people we fund is their commitment to building something real, scalable, and sustainable. Not their ability to game a pitch deck or charm a venture partner.
If you are navigating the early stages of building something bold, Chisos offers a uniquely supportive experience:
Access to early capital should not depend on your zip code, your network, or your résumé. The new generation of builders is diverse, mission-driven, and forging new paths. They deserve funding options that align with how they build.
Chisos exists to support you at the start, when the risk is highest and belief matters most. If you are a founder, creator, or athlete with a big vision and a clear direction, let us build something together.
👉 Apply now to take your founder journey to the next level.
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