Meet Andre Fluellen: VC investor and mindset coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andre Fluellen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andre, is there something you believe many others might not?
I believe that everyone has a once in a generation type gift buried inside of them waiting to come out. But, when people constantly hear that they are “underprivileged” because of what they look like, that just throws more dirt on that buried gift, and makes it much harder for them to bring it forth. I don’t believe that anyone is “underprivileged” because of the color of their skin, rather I believe that everyone is “privileged” because their gift is their privilege in life! FIND YOUR GIFT AND YOU WILL FIND YOUR LIFE!!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Beyond the Game network, we are a venture group that combines the influence of athletes and the experience of business executives. Because we combine these two types of people, we are able to either create rare and exciting opportunities for our athletes and executives. I am most excited about our work that we do with minority and underrepresented founders. We do our best to highlight their accomplishments and get them in front of people that can support them with access, exposure, and/or funding. Honestly, I got to this point in business because I used the pain that I went through in trying to find my “second career” as fuel instead of defeat. The depression, anxiety, failure, and brokenness that resulted from not being able to play sports anymore was actually the fuel needed to be successful in business! I want the world to know that you CAN do it. There are no limitations except for the ones we accept. I thought sports made me; but I then realized that I MADE the sport better! The same is true with any business or endeavor you and I undertake.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a best friend come in to ATL, here’s the itenerary 1) first stop is Waffle House (Scattered, Smothered, and Covered) 2) Aquarium and World of Coca Cola 3) Drive down West Paces Ferry and look at all the mansions 4) Eat dinner and hang out at Divan in Buckhead 5) next day go for a run at Piedmont Park 6) Go walking down Moreland ave & little 5 points to people watch 7) Spend some time to shop and eat at Ponce City Market 8) Grab a chicken sandwich from Chick fil-a, Zaxby’s, and Popeye’s to see which one is the best 9) Get a couple hotel rooms at the W hotel 10) Get a really good steak from Hal’s Send them back home because this week would get a little expensive! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I really give so much credit and recognition to my partner, Brian Zwerner, for helping me in so many areas of “real life.” He taught me how to look at everything objectively, and helped me sit back to allow people to show me their flaws instead of me blindly going into deals that aren’t good for me.

Website: thebtgnetwork.com

Instagram: flu_dot_com

Other: enpacted.com