From Tech Giant to NHL Trailblazer: Meet Samantha Holloway, Co-Owner of the Seattle Kraken
Samantha Holloway, a former tech startup founder, has brought her entrepreneurial mindset to her role as co-owner of the Seattle Kraken hockey team. Holloway, alongside her father David Bonderman, holds a pivotal position in the organization, making her one of the few principal female owners in the NHL.
Holloway’s journey to professional hockey included diverse experiences, from a graduate degree in forensic psychology to co-founding the Denver-based startup GoSpotCheck. Through her tech startup journey, Holloway gained invaluable lessons in customer feedback, speed of execution, and the transformative power of technology.
These principles guide her approach at the Kraken. Holloway continuously seeks feedback from fans and implements improvements swiftly, creating a customer-centric experience. Technology is deeply ingrained in the franchise, from the mobile app to the pioneering live game streaming deal with Amazon. Holloway acknowledges the significant role of Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, a minority owner, in developing the team’s app.
While winning the Stanley Cup remains the ultimate goal, Holloway emphasizes broader measures of success. She is passionate about promoting hockey among children and expanding the sport’s reach. With the Kraken ownership group reportedly in contention to bring an NBA expansion team to Seattle, Holloway’s startup mindset continues to drive her vision for the future.
