Rival operates a NYC-based, white-labeled engagement platform that allows teams, leagues, and consumer brands to launch digital arcades featuring tournaments, prediction games, social contests, and loyalty rewards. The software delivers actionable fan data and already counts the New York Giants, New Balance, Detroit Pistons, Subway, and Coca-Cola among its clients. On October 1, 2025, the company completed its first outside funding and simultaneously acquired Shake, a Gen Z-focused social-games startup known for lightweight, high-frequency prediction contests tied to live sports and entertainment. Shake’s technology will be merged into Rival’s infrastructure, expanding the product suite and deepening real-time engagement capabilities. Rival plans to use the new capital to grow headcount, speed product development, and expand into additional competition verticals across sports, entertainment, and other sectors. Co-founded in 2024 by Jack Kingsley, Heather Brooks Karatz, and Spencer Lichtenberg, Shake’s leadership joins Rival, with Kingsley and Lichtenberg becoming Rival’s COO. Matt Virtue continues to lead Rival as CEO. The $2.8 million financing marks the company’s first recorded external raise; no further operating metrics were disclosed.

Total raised

$3M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Oct 2025