Penny Jar Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm founded by Bryant Barr and Richard Scudellari, has filed to raise a Fund II with no target amount, according to a recent SEC filing. The firm, which has NBA star Stephen Curry as a special advisor, also filed to raise a separate entity called Fund II Collective, also with no target amount disclosed.

The news comes after Penny Jar Capital's Fund I, which was filed in June 2021 and reportedly closed for an undisclosed amount in September of the same year. Since its launch in 2021, the firm has made around 18 investments in companies such as Upwind, Ducky, and Praxis Labs, according to Pitchbook data.

Penny Jar Capital's involvement in the venture capital space is notable not only for its investment portfolio but also for its connection to the sports world. Stephen Curry, a two-time NBA champion and two-time NBA MVP, serves as a special advisor to the firm, helping to source investment opportunities and drive impact for portfolio companies. This partnership is part of a growing trend of athletes venturing into the world of tech and venture capital.

Other notable examples of athletes turned venture capitalists include Kevin Durant's 35V, Serena Williams' Serena Ventures, and Milwaukee Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo's recently announced venture firm. This shift towards entrepreneurship and investing is a significant development in the sports and tech industries, as athletes leverage their influence and resources to drive innovation and growth.

Bryant Barr, co-founder of Penny Jar Capital, previously served as Curry's business manager and president of SC360, the entity launched to manage Curry's brand ecosystem. Richard Scudellari, the other co-founder, was an investment partner at SC360. Their combined expertise and Curry's involvement have positioned Penny Jar Capital as a key player in the venture capital space.

While details on the target amounts for Fund II and Fund II Collective are scarce, the filings suggest that Penny Jar Capital is poised to expand its reach and influence in the startup ecosystem. As the firm continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the tech industry will be worth watching.

The development also raises questions about the role of athletes in venture capital and their potential to drive innovation and growth in the tech industry. As more athletes enter the venture capital space, it will be interesting to see how their involvement shapes the industry and creates new opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs.