NBA Stars Launch New AI Startup To Simplify Funeral Planning
A new tech startup co-founded by basketball stars aims to ease the burden of funeral planning. Eazewell, an AI-powered platform created by NBA MVP Russell Westbrook, NBA All-Star Kemba Walker, and NCAA champion Donnell Beverly Jr., offers a more compassionate and streamlined alternative to the traditionally complex and costly funeral planning process.
A Response to Personal Loss
The idea for Eazewell began years ago, after Beverly Jr. and Westbrook suddenly lost their high school teammate and close friend, Khelcey Barrs III. The experience revealed how few resources exist for families navigating funeral arrangements—and how outdated many services are.
“Years ago, Donnell and I connected through the loss of a close friend. Witnessing the profound impact it had on the family left a lasting impression on me,” said Westbrook, who has publicly expressed his grief over the years—through wristbands honoring Barrs and game-day dedications.
Reflecting on the passing of both his parents, Beverly Jr. added: “Phone calls and paperwork took up time I would rather have spent mourning and consoling my extended family. We built Eazewell so people don’t have to go through that alone.”
How Eazewell Works
Eazewell offers a centralized platform where users can manage all aspects of funeral planning. The platform uses AI to handle time-consuming tasks such as contacting funeral homes, comparing prices, coordinating services, and managing paperwork like death certificates. It also offers tools to help families secure financial assistance based on their needs.
In addition to 24/7 AI chatbot support and document automation, Eazewell integrates compassionate human specialists to guide users through the process. In the coming weeks, new features will include sentiment analysis and text-to-voice capabilities, further improving the experience for users during emotionally difficult times.
Early Impact and Backing
The startup is backed by an impressive roster of investors, including Tru Skye Ventures (co-founded by entrepreneur Stephen Stokols and former NBA All-Star Metta World Peace), Chad Brownstein (Founder of Rocky Mountain Resources), Jeron Smith (former White House strategist and Nike executive), Will Smith (former CMO of PetSmart and Abercrombie & Fitch), and Echo Investment Capital.
“Eazewell is the solution we wished they had then,” said Westbrook.” We’re turning that pain into service for those experiencing loss, providing families with someone in their corner when they need it most. “
Over 1,000 families used Eazewell during its beta phase, and now, the platform is available nationwide.
Image: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
