Doug Baldwin has two rules for deciding whether to partner with a business or organization: it has to be something he believes in, and there can’t be any a-holes involved.
That’s why it made sense for the former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver to join the board of Valor Worldwide, a Seattle digital media startup providing services to the military community.
Baldwin, who will speak at the upcoming GeekWire Summit on Oct. 7-9, is exploring post-football life after announcing his retirement from the NFL this past May.
He first met Valor CEO Jeff Lanctot last year but it wasn’t until recently that their conversation shifted to Baldwin joining the company’s board.
“I have always worked toward aligning myself with companies and organizations and people that are doing good in the world, or at least trying to create change in the world,” Baldwin told GeekWire. “This is no different than that.”
Lanctot, a former aQuantive and Microsoft executive, launched Valor late last year. Its first media property is OurMilitary.com, which provides information to military members and their families, such as data on the top installations and bases around the world. It also produces original and syndicated news relevant to the community.
Lanctot said Baldwin has “exceeded my expectations” during every interaction he’s had with the Seahawks legend.
“He has a rare combination of intellect, empathy, and leadership ability,” Lanctot told GeekWire. “In other words, he’s the ideal board member. Beyond his impressive business instincts, his commitment to his family and community is an inspiration. I’m fortunate to know him, and grateful that we’re working together to build Valor.”
Baldwin is a self-described geek, so it’s no surprise he’s getting involved with tech startups. The 30-year-old Stanford grad is already an investor in Vicis, the Seattle-based football helmet manufacturer, and Strix Leviathan, a Seattle-based cryptocurrency company.
He’s also passionate about giving back. Baldwin is helping the City of Renton build a new $15 million community center in the same city that welcomed him as his NFL journey began in Seattle eight years ago.
I have interviewed a lot of athletes.@DougBaldwinJr is hands down the most interesting.
The former #Seahawks WR talking about throwing his support and $1 million of his own money to create new community center in Renton. To help go to: https://t.co/KxGuUJj0kk#makingadifference pic.twitter.com/90PhU5NDcu— Matt Lorch (@MattLorchQ13Fox) August 26, 2019
Baldwin will join us for an on-stage interview in October at our flagship technology conference, sharing his unique perspective about business, sports, technology, politics, philanthropy, and much more.
The GeekWire Summit takes place this year at the new Hyatt Regency in downtown Seattle. The event, now in its 8th year, is known for in-depth interviews and inspiring talks from leaders in tech, business, science, and other key sectors of innovation and economic growth. This year we’ll explore trends in AI and robotics, privacy and surveillance, health tech, travel, venture capital, startups, media and more.
We’ll kick things off the evening of Oct. 7, followed by two full days of content.
Find more details and register on the GeekWire Summit event page or below.
