Magic Johnson details his five-point checklist for startup founder evaluation
Earvin "Magic" Johnson · Inside The Life of Silicon Valley's First Athlete Investor | Magic Johnson · Feb 11, 2026 · at 22:48
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is an NBA legend and head of Magic Johnson Enterprises. He outlines his investment framework when evaluating early-stage founders and startups to a16z General Partner Chris Lyons.
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“Is it something that is not in the marketplace? Can we really look at this 10 years from now that it's going to still be here? It's going to still it has growth potential. Hopefully year, year in and year out. And then do we have a chance to exit or sail? You know, down the line. And so and then the partners, I want them to make sure that these founders and these great people, they have skin in the game. They also are great and they're experts at what they do. And You know, we then also look at it, can we bring added value, right? Being Magic Johnson all the things that we have in our toolbox. Can we bring added value to the deal or to that founder and make that company grow or take off and fly?”
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