He Played in the NFL, But That's Not the Most Interesting or Important Thing About Him

Kory Bailey knows how to compete. As a NCAA division I athlete at what his fellow alumni call the University of National Champions; in the NFL; in big tech; and in the startup world. But as CEO of a tech accelerator, his most radical ideas are about inclusion. What if we reworked the funding and support networks for entrepreneurs so that those who have the least access can get their chance and grow?

In the venture capital world, we talk about pivoting so much that it’s easy to forget that’s not just a metaphor. Some people are nimble enough physically to turn on a dime. Across every phase of his multi-stage career, Kory has been one of those people.

Episode Guide

1:27 Kory's money origin story

5:47 Growing up in Durham, North Carolina

6:31 Upsurge Baltimore

7:36 Making startups a greater part of economic development in the Baltimore area

9:52 Baltimore is a college town that hasn't yet met its full potential

14:14 Kory's career path from selling burned CDs to playing in the NFL, working in big tech, and running a tech accelerator

18:42 Kory might not talk about his time in the NFL unless you ask him

19:48 His dad bribed him with a $20,000 car. It worked.

23:15 Figuring out his identity after sports

25:14 The University of National Champions

29:01 Learning to manage your money as a professional athlete can be overwhelming

33:21 The new financial opportunities college players have should set them up for more success later in their careers

36:39 When Lebron James becomes an NBA franchise owner, it will open that door for others

38:45 Creating a startup ecosystem where more people can succeed