Dikembe Mutombo was a Former Senior Advisor at 4DX Ventures. After an illustrious 18-season career as an NBA superstar, he retired in 2009 and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2015. Known globally as a philanthropist, investor, and successful businessman, Dikembe, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was one of the most notable and impactful figures from the African continent.
A passionate advocate and ambassador for ensuring that those in need have access to essential health services, educational resources and economic opportunities, Dikembe founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997. In 2007, he opened the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, named in honor of his beloved mother, which has treated nearly 500,000 men, women and children to date. He also founded the Samuel Mutombo Institute of Science & Entrepreneurship, which has transformed countless lives.
Combining his philanthropic efforts with his business acumen, Dikembe established Mutombo African Coffee to bring premium African coffee beans to the international market while supporting women-led sustainable farms in rural communities throughout the DRC.
Dikembe was appointed as the first NBA Global Ambassador and was an early investor and advisor to the NBA’s significant initiatives to grow the sport in Africa. These efforts culminated in 2021 with the establishment of NBA Africa, where he invested alongside other prominent ex-NBA players, including former U.S. President Barack Obama as a strategic partner.
Dikembe served on the boards of the CDC Foundation (Center for Disease Control), Special Olympics International and the National Board for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, among others.
A proud graduate of Georgetown University with dual degrees in Linguistics and Diplomacy, Dikembe was fluent in nine languages, including five African languages.
Dikembe passed away from brain cancer on September 30, 2024 and is survived by his loving wife Rose and their 3 children. He will be deeply missed by all at 4DX, and we will forever consider him a cherished member of the 4DX family.
