Key Takeaways
- • Bob Iger has joined Thrive Capital as an advisor following his departure as Disney CEO on March 18, 2025, marking his second engagement with the Joshua Kushner-founded venture firm after a brief 2022-2023 tenure.
- • Thrive Capital, which raised $10 billion for a new fund earlier in 2026, counts OpenAI, Spotify, and A24 among its portfolio companies; Iger's prior connection to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman through Thrive facilitated the $1 billion Disney-OpenAI deal that was later unwound when OpenAI exited generative video.
- • Kushner emphasized Iger's value during "the most consequential technology shift of our lifetimes," positioning the veteran media executive to advise on AI-related investments and mentor portfolio company founders as the venture industry navigates rapid technological transformation.
- • Iger's advisory role represents a shift toward technology and venture investing after 15+ years leading Disney, following his earlier retirement in 2020-2021 before being recalled to the CEO role in November 2022 when successor Bob Chapek was ousted.
Summary
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger has assumed an advisory position at Thrive Capital, the New York-based venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, less than two months after stepping down from the media conglomerate on March 18, 2025. This marks Iger's return to the firm after he previously served as a venture partner between September 2022 and November 2022, during an interim period between his two Disney tenures.
Thrive Capital announced the move on Thursday, with Kushner characterizing Iger as a leader who "leads with boldness and conviction" at a pivotal moment for the venture industry. Kushner framed the appointment within the context of accelerating artificial intelligence adoption, stating that "we are living through the most consequential technology shift of our lifetimes, where AI will democratize access to intelligence in the way the internet democratized access to information." In his advisory capacity, Iger will work with Thrive's investment team and serve as a mentor to portfolio company founders.
Iger's prior experience with Thrive proved strategically valuable: his connection to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman through the firm facilitated a $1 billion deal between Disney and OpenAI announced last year, though that partnership was subsequently unwound after OpenAI discontinued its Sora generative video product last month. Thrive's portfolio encompasses major technology and media holdings including OpenAI, Spotify, and indie film studio A24, positioning the firm at the intersection of entertainment and artificial intelligence. The firm announced a $10 billion fundraise for a new fund earlier in 2026.
Iger's transition to venture capital follows his second exit from Disney's executive suite. His initial departure was announced in February 2020 but extended into spring 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. His interim period included the Thrive venture partnership before his surprise recall to Disney's top role in November 2022, when Bob Chapek was removed as CEO. Iger acquired a stake in Thrive during his 2022-2023 involvement with the firm and maintains that investment position.
Thrive Capital announced the move on Thursday, with Kushner characterizing Iger as a leader who "leads with boldness and conviction" at a pivotal moment for the venture industry. Kushner framed the appointment within the context of accelerating artificial intelligence adoption, stating that "we are living through the most consequential technology shift of our lifetimes, where AI will democratize access to intelligence in the way the internet democratized access to information." In his advisory capacity, Iger will work with Thrive's investment team and serve as a mentor to portfolio company founders.
Iger's prior experience with Thrive proved strategically valuable: his connection to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman through the firm facilitated a $1 billion deal between Disney and OpenAI announced last year, though that partnership was subsequently unwound after OpenAI discontinued its Sora generative video product last month. Thrive's portfolio encompasses major technology and media holdings including OpenAI, Spotify, and indie film studio A24, positioning the firm at the intersection of entertainment and artificial intelligence. The firm announced a $10 billion fundraise for a new fund earlier in 2026.
Iger's transition to venture capital follows his second exit from Disney's executive suite. His initial departure was announced in February 2020 but extended into spring 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. His interim period included the Thrive venture partnership before his surprise recall to Disney's top role in November 2022, when Bob Chapek was removed as CEO. Iger acquired a stake in Thrive during his 2022-2023 involvement with the firm and maintains that investment position.
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