• Fnatic

  Participated · Equity · Nov 2020

  Fnatic is a 17-year-old esports organization and brand with a worldwide squad of 40 pro gamers across eight games and a product business selling digital and physical performance ranges and esports equipment. The company reported an 80% year-on-year increase in revenues year-to-date and said revenues from its digital and physical performance ranges rose 91% year over year in Q1 2021. Its esports equipment line grew 52% in 2020; Fnatic now has 110 employees. Fnatic raised $17 million in a recent investment round that included Marubeni, a range of international family offices and institutional investors, plus venture debt from Bootstrap. The firm has raised $53 million to date and previously completed a 2020 crowdraise joined by more than 3,500 investors. The new capital will accelerate expansion into the Japanese and broader Asia-Pacific esports markets, expand Fnatic’s base of operations in Japan, and support its Rainbow Six: Siege team relocating to the country. The company is also launching digital products and continuing investment into advanced esports equipment while strengthening its leadership team. Fnatic operates professional esports teams and has expanded into branded gear such as gaming keyboards and team jerseys. The company has been one of the most viewed western esports teams and was the second most watched team of 2020. Its teams have earned nearly $16 million in tournament winnings across 903 events. Founded in 2004 and based in London, Fnatic has raised nearly $35 million across its funding rounds to date. The company plans to use new funding to continue global expansion and support its competitive teams. Fnatic is also pursuing broader community ownership via a Crowdcube crowd equity campaign intended to raise £1 million. Fnatic is a London-based e-sports team and brand that fields players across 22 game titles and also designs hardware gear, apparel, and community experiences. The company has a staff of 75, including 45 gamers who collectively have earned more than $8 million in prize money. Fnatic operates an e-sports equipment subsidiary and plans to launch new product categories, including a new audio line. It also plans to strengthen involvement in tier-one leagues, including the League of Legends European Championship. Founded in 2004, the company announced leadership changes: CEO Wouter Sleijffers is stepping down, founder Sam Mathews will return as CEO, Nick Fry has been named chairman, and Glen Calvert appointed COO. The recent $19 million financing is intended to support these competitive and product expansion initiatives. Fnatic is a coalition of pro gaming teams competing across major esports titles such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike and Dota 2. The company raised $7 million in a new round of financing to expand its competitive and commercial operations. Fnatic plans to hire coaches, analysts, sports psychologists and other support roles similar to traditional sports teams. The funds will also be used to expand training facilities, grow merchandising efforts, and increase the number of academy teams. The article frames the raise within broader industry growth, citing Newzoo estimates that esports revenue is on pace to reach $696 million this year and could hit $1.5 billion by 2020. Fnatic’s leadership described increased acceptance from sports franchises, media companies and high-profile individuals as accelerating opportunities in the sector.

No current team members are available.