Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn Joins Newly Formed Athena Capital Advisory Board
Athena Capital, a funding partner for growth-stage, tech-enabled companies on the verge of public or M&A exits, has announced the formation of its advisory board, with Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn joining as a strategic advisor.
Vonn, one of the most decorated athletes in winter sports history, has earned three Olympic medals and eight world championship medals throughout her career. Her involvement with the firm reflects a strong alignment with its mission, particularly in championing female-led teams and supporting entrepreneurial innovation.
“Athena Capital’s no-frills approach to investing and deeply experienced team drew me to join the new advisory board,” said Vonn. “I am eager to get started and contribute to a firm whose goals so closely correspond with my own.”
“Lindsey knows how to win,” Athena founder, Isabelle Freidheim, told Connect. “She’s built a second career in business as an investor and operator, and her mindset is aligned with ours. She’s focused, strategic, and outcome driven. She’ll help to expand our network, represent our brand, and open more doors for the companies we support.”
Beyond her achievements in skiing, Vonn has been a strong advocate for women in sports and business. Her experience as a venture capital intern exposed her to the gender gap in finance, inspiring her to back female-led ventures as she expanded her own business initiatives.
“Lindsey brings strategic insight, an extensive network, and a performance-based mindset. Her involvement will help to increase Athena Capital’s visibility, accelerate funding, and create new opportunities for our portfolio. She possesses a strong commitment to utilizing her platform to elevate the companies we support,” said Freidheim.
Athena Capital is forming its advisory board to enhance network expansion, portfolio insights, and investor relationships beyond traditional private equity and venture capital. This initiative will accelerate fundraising efforts and broaden strategic partnerships.
“The Athena Capital team’s primary goal is to generate returns for our investors through investments in high-growth mission driven technology companies. The additional support and guidance from our advisory board strongly positions us to achieve that goal. We are integrating exceptionally qualified individuals, across many industries, to help us scale, forge capital partnerships, and deliver successful outcomes,” added Freidheim.