Collaborative Fund Invests in D.C. United and Stadium

Collaborative Fund has announced a new investment in Major League Soccer club D.C. United and its home stadium, positioning the venture‑capital firm as a partner in the team’s growth. Founder Craig Shapiro said the deal is designed to give the firm’s portfolio companies a high‑profile platform, using the club’s fan base and stadium events to showcase products and services to a national audience.

The partnership will involve Collaborative Fund taking an equity stake in D.C. United and a share of the stadium’s commercial revenue streams. Shapiro highlighted the unique opportunity for startups to engage with millions of fans through in‑stadium activations, digital integrations, and branded experiences, turning the soccer venue into a living laboratory for innovation. The move follows a broader trend of sports franchises partnering with tech and venture firms to diversify revenue and expand their media footprints.

By aligning its portfolio with a prominent sports brand, Collaborative Fund aims to amplify exposure for emerging companies while supporting the continued development of D.C. United’s facilities. The investment underscores the growing intersection between sports, media, and technology, offering a new avenue for startups to reach diverse audiences in an engaging setting.