#Education #Pro Athlete Community #GSV Ventures

Pro Athlete Community (PAC) Raises $7.6M Series A Funding

On June 24, 2025, Pro Athlete Community Inc. (PAC) announced that it has successfully closed an oversubscribed Series A funding round, securing $7.6 million, led by GSV Ventures with support from Maveron and other strategic investors. The funds will significantly enhance PAC's capacity to provide tailored educational resources and mentorship to its growing community of over 650 professional athletes worldwide.

Founded in 2022 by education technology executive Chip Paucek and experienced player development expert Kaleb Thornhill, PAC aims to transform the transition experience for athletes after they retire from professional sports. The organization's innovative approach includes partnerships with institutions like the University of Miami, where they offer executive education certificate programs, allowing pro athletes to gain valuable business insights and industry experience while interacting with a network that includes Fortune 500 CEOs and influential investors.

Chip Paucek, the co-founder and CEO of PAC, emphasizes the challenges faced by retired athletes, stating, "The world can be incredibly harsh on pro athletes...leaving them without meaningful support, resources, or recognition for everything they've achieved and can still accomplish off the field." The significance of this funding is to equip athletes with necessary tools to thrive beyond their athletic careers, recognizing the elite qualities that made them successful sports professionals, which often go unsupported once their playing days are over.

PAC's commitment to its mission is demonstrably reflected in its growth; membership has doubled since earlier this year, attracting a diverse range of pros from over 10 sports leagues, which notably includes about 10% of currently active professional football players in the U.S. The Series A funds will further bolster PAC's offering by launching new virtual education programs, expanded mentorship opportunities, enhanced career support, and increased access to various industries—all designed to meet the unique needs and aspirations of professional athletes.

Devin McCourty, a PAC Advisory Board Co-Chair and three-time Super Bowl champion, shared his own experience of transitioning from a successful football career to retirement. He noted the struggles that accompany such a transition, confessing, "I was confident I would be OK when I retired. But when it happened, I struggled for months. My identity and my locker room were gone." He affirms that PAC provides not just education, but also a sense of community that helps athletes redefine their identities post-career.

Michael Cohn, Co-founder and Partner at GSV Ventures, confirms this potential, stating, "The pro athlete community is special and full of untapped potential...PAC has created a safe space where athletes can get the education, coaching, and connections they need to thrive." He expresses excitement about the potential societal impacts that may arise from fostering a supportive community for professional athletes.

PAC's comprehensive approach is aimed squarely at redefining the narrative for athletes after the curtain falls on their playing careers. By providing exclusive access to education, mentorship, and a formidable peer network, PAC not only empowers athletes to navigate their futures but also encourages them to give back, fostering connections that ripple through society.

About Pro Athlete Community (PAC)

PAC is dedicated to supporting professional athletes in their pursuit of purpose-filled lives after sports. Alongside educational and mentorship opportunities, PAC aims to establish a robust and engaged community where athletes can thrive, demonstrating that their journey can extend well beyond the playing field.

For more information, visit www.proathletecommunity.com or follow them on Instagram at @proathletecommunity.

About GSV Ventures

GSV Ventures focuses on the $7+ trillion global education and workforce skills sector, backing innovative entrepreneurs and helping to shape the future of learning from