GBarena operates a platform that helps gamers find local and global challenges and compete for titles and rewards, and that makes it easy for tournament organisers to create, publish and manage tournaments. Gamers can log in via Facebook, select their favourite game titles, and receive suggestions for online or nearby on-ground tournaments. The startup was founded in 2015 by Samer Wagdy, Mustafa Zaza and Bishoy Mesdary. The company announced a seed investment from Cairo-based investor HIMangel, which it says is a six-figure (US dollar) transaction. GBarena plans to use the funding for further product development, to expand its team, and to increase user numbers. The seed investment is part of an ongoing seed round that the company aims to close in the next six months. GBArena is an online platform, founded in late 2015 by engineers Samer Wagdy and Bishoy Mesdary in Cairo, that connects players with game organizers and helps organizers find brands and sponsors. The platform also provides a community where players can follow tournaments, cheer each other on, and discuss gaming. After winning first place in the second French Tech Ticket edition, GBArena moved into the Belle de Mai incubator in Marseille and will spend one year in the program. The company received €45,000 in government-backed financial assistance to develop R&D and make technical improvements ahead of a planned public site launch in mid‑March. Provence Promotion and the incubator will run master classes, assist with relocation logistics and administrative formalities, and provide a mentor offering one-hour consultations every two months. GBArena employs six staff members in Cairo and intends to leverage its Marseille base to expand into the European e-sports market.

Total raised

$49M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Feb 2017