Participated · Series A · Nov 2021

Talon is a Hong Kong-based competitive gaming, entertainment and culture brand and esports lifestyle platform that operates teams, a creative studio, and content for partners. It runs competitive rosters across six major game titles in five Asia Pacific markets, including PSG Talon (League of Legends), which has won three PCS titles and represented the region at MSI and Worlds, and an Arena of Valor roster that has won domestic titles and the 2021 Arena of Valor World Cup. The company operates its own creative studio to run esports marketing, content creation and activities for Talon and its partners. Talon plans to grow its lifestyle and cultural platform by working with fashion labels, KOLs, musicians and traditional sports athletes to deliver entertainment to Gen Z and millennials. As part of that strategy it intends to develop digital and blockchain solutions alongside Animoca Brands to deliver collectibles, metaverse experiences, play-to-earn games and NFT platforms. Founded in 2017, Talon is headquartered in Hong Kong with regional offices in Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines and South Korea and will further expand into the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. Founded in 2016, Talon Esports fields teams in top esports competitions such as League of Legends and Street Fighter V while also operating commercial businesses that monetize its brand. The company has multiple revenue streams including publisher/media fees, in-game item sales, tournament winnings (hundreds of thousands of dollars), sponsorships, merchandise sales, and agency work. In the fall of 2020 Talon raised $2 million in funding to support its international expansion. Talon emphasizes talent development—notably via a partnership with Paris Saint-Germain—and adopts an athletic approach to competitive gaming. The company is investing in a creative studio to serve its teams and external clients and to grow in markets like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand. Leadership includes CEO Sean Zhang and co‑founder/partner Jarrold ‘Jazz’ Tham, both with finance experience, and the business has a dedicated CFO to manage finance and cash flow as it scales.