Thrill-seekers and risk-takers rejoice: season two of CNBC’s Adventure Capitalists premieres tonight and it promises to raise the stakes as three brave, all-star American athletes face extreme conditions as they test out innovative outdoor products and then decide whether or not to invest in them.
Former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones and former world-champion skier Jeremy Bloom will return in season two of the prime time series, while 24-year-old Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johns
on East will make her debut as the third host and investor on the show. Each of these world-class athletes has established businesses on their own and will put entrepreneurs to the ultimate test as they compete to win capital for their products.“In each one-hour episode, four separate entrepreneurs showcase products designed for outdoor adventure,” reads the show description for “Adventure Capitalists.”
“These cutting-edge products and inventions run the gamut; from outerwear that can insulate against freezing temperatures (even when wet), to a robotic fishing lure that brings dead bait back to life and a full suspension mountain bike that can trek over any terrain. The adventure capitalists then put these innovations to the test, often in harsh conditions, to determine which are actually worthy of an investment.
Last season on Adventure Capitalists, the hosts tested out several game-changing products, including an acoustic shark repellent, a collapsible loo for camping, and a three-wheel, all-terrain electric bike. This season, however, will be “bigger [and] better,” Jones told Black Enterprise. “You’ll see a dynamic and entertaining aspect of how people get their ideas, products, and businesses funded.”
According to Jones, who currently serves as chairman of private equity firm Qey Capital, there is a strong connection between professional sports and business. “When you play football or when you play any sport,” he says, “you understand what it takes [to succeed.] You understand the hard work, the time, the determination, you understand the challenges, you understand the weaknesses, the ups and downs…and it’s the same thing in the startup world.” The former New York Giants player added that both amateur athletes and startup business owners must be diligent in seeking people to invest in them in order to grow and prosper.
On the show, Jones says he gravitated toward entrepreneurs that displayed dedication and passion for their product. I look for entrepreneurs who “are an inch wide and a mile deep. I think it’s important for them to have a clear path, an understanding of the business that they’re working in, and a passion for it.”
He added
that viewers can look forward to seeing unique inventions like an adult scooter invented by two former law enforcement officials and compact workout equipment for those on the go. “The dynamic nature of the show will take you through [the process of] how each entrepreneur works with each investor, and how each investor works and starts to understand each and every product.”