Metta World Peace, once known as Ron Artest, has been busy building a legacy beyond basketball. After 17 seasons in the league, he’s now eyeing a massive $100 million venture capital fund. Yet, for all his post-NBA success, one thing still stings—the missed opportunity to make his hometown, New York City, proud on basketball’s biggest stage. For someone who grew up in Queensbridge, surrounded by the grit and grind of city life, not wearing the Knicks jersey to achieve championship remains a wound that never fully healed.

Metta World Peace shared a heartfelt story on social media that brought this regret into the spotlight. Posting a throwback photo with his former teammates, he reflected on the career path that took him everywhere but Madison Square Garden in his prime. “I’m so blessed. 1999 draft is officially erased. I’m at peace. Thanks @nyknicks,” he began. But his gratitude quickly gave way to longing. “Yes, I should’ve been a Knick. 1000%,” he admitted. He even painted a vivid picture of how it could’ve been: “Imagine that lockdown defense in the Garden… We would’ve been 1000 deep or more.”

And World Peace didn’t stop there. He dove deeper into his NYC roots. “I also understood, with me being from Queensbridge, yes , we would’ve have been 1000 deep or more. So I understand why they passed on me. But with that Being said, as a New York City kid from 12th st and 10th st. The 6 blocks deep in my blood.The drama that we dealt with on the streets playing ball… The tough skin not for the weak. The diving under a bench when machinery let off… The sharp air carved my name in the benches,” he wrote. But his love for New York burned bright: “This kid loves NYC. From a [brick wall emoji] to Knick. You already know.” However, he still is thankful for his NBA, especially his Lakers’ journey.

New York’s loss was Los Angeles’s gain. In 2010, World Peace delivered one of the clutchest performances in NBA Finals history. Scoring 20 points in Game 7 against the Celtics, including a game-sealing three-pointer, he became the unsung hero of that championship. Even that time, Laker coach Phil Jackson called him the “MVP of the night.”

However, World Peace finally got his shot with the Knicks in 2013, but it came too late in his career. After just one season, he returned to the Lakers before retiring in 2017. Now, his focus is on helping startups thrive.

Metta World Peace launches $100 million venture fund

“I told people that I didn’t want my face to add value,” Metta World Peace once shared. “I wanted that to be my word and my (mind). You’ll go into a meeting (before), and they’re just waiting to talk basketball.” And now, he is proving he’s got more to offer than highlights and stories.

Teaming up with former Boost Mobile CEO Stephen Stokols, World Peace launched Tru Skye Ventures, a bold move aimed at creating a $100 million fund by early next year. Their mission? To back innovative companies in sports tech, digital media platforms, and health and wellness.

Interestingly, Tru Skye Ventures has already started strongly. Its first formal investment went into Barcode, a performance beverage brand founded by Mubarak “Bar” Malik, who’s worked with the Knicks and Lakers. While the exact amount remains under wraps, the message is simple—World Peace and his team mean business.

Looking ahead, the former All-Star plans to invest in at least 20 companies. With Stokols as his partner, World Peace aims to bring more than just money to the table. The fund will focus on growth marketing, brand partnerships, and product development for startups. And with over 40 companies already in their personal portfolios, Tru Skye Ventures and World Peace are just getting started.