Former NBA Star Jalen Rose Reflects on Regret Over Missing Early Investment Opportunities in Uber and Zoom

Former NBA player Jalen Rose discusses his missed investment in Uber and his new Detroit-based multimedia venture, Same Page Entertainment.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Yahoo Finance

The Motor City Inspiration for Rideshare

Former NBA standout Jalen Rose has expressed significant regret for not securing an early stake in Uber, a company he says mirrored a business concept he had envisioned himself. During an appearance on Forbes’ “The Enterprise Zone,” Rose explained that his Detroit roots and personal chauffeur’s license had inspired him to consider a professional transport service. However, he admitted that his initial vision was tied to "old school limos," and he failed to pivot toward the app-based "new wave" that eventually defined Uber’s global success. This missed connection to the rideshare giant remains a point of contention for Rose, who saw the potential for the Motor City’s automotive heritage to merge with modern technology.

Strategic Discipline in Venture Capital

Rose elaborated on the strict criteria he now applies to his investment portfolio to avoid further missed opportunities and financial pitfalls. He emphasized that he no longer serves as a "guinea pig" for unproven startups, requiring founders to demonstrate a tangible track record of success before he commits capital. According to Rose, the scalability and uniqueness of a project are paramount, as is the personal integrity of the entrepreneurs. He voiced caution against founders who might use his celebrity name to secure secondary deals without providing him a fair return on his initial "dump" of funds, signaling a shift toward more sophisticated and defensive investment strategies.

Partnering for a Detroit Media Powerhouse

While reflecting on past misses like Zoom and Uber, Rose is currently channeling his efforts into Same Page Entertainment, a multimedia production company. Partnering with billionaire Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, Rose aims to build a production hub in Detroit that rivals the influence of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. The venture is focused on developing a diverse slate of podcasts, alongside scripted and unscripted film and television projects. This move marks a significant evolution for Rose, transitioning from an athlete and sports analyst to a primary producer of content centered in his hometown.