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MTG backs 11 esport and gaming start-ups

December 4, 2018

MTG has funded 11 fast-growing companies that it says bring strategic value to the Group’s owned and operated esports and online gaming businesses. This makes MTG one of the most active investors in the gaming sector, with a broad portfolio of content, tools and live experiences.
• MTG has invested in 11 high-potential US and European gaming businesses since announcing its dedicated gaming fund in November 2017
• Investees include innovative online gaming and esports companies, as well as virtual reality experiences
• The investment fund complements MTG’s position in operating leading esports and online gaming brands
Launched in November 2017, MTG’s USD 30 million VC fund is targeting minority investments in 5 to 10 innovative companies a year.
Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, MTG’s President & CEO: “MTG has proven to be an attractive partner for young companies that recognise our values-driven entrepreneurial culture. With a rich history in multi-platform storytelling – and having operated a robust media business that has consistently outpaced the industry – we offer entrepreneurs a meaningful partnership and synergy benefits.”
Arnd Benninghoff, MTG Games and Esports: “The gaming ecosystem is made up of many platforms, titles, publishers, leagues, teams, influencers and tech, and MTG is assembling the most promising players in this sector under one roof. Our portfolio of international companies strikes a healthy balance between established and high-potential companies that are turning their passion into successful business.”
MTG’s portfolio of gaming investees includes:
BITKRAFT Esports Ventures, the first dedicated early stage investor in esports startups.
Play Ventures, a VC fund that invests in games and game services start-ups.
AppOnboard, a demo platform for developers, that enables mobile users to experience apps without downloading them. This technology now powers the ‘Try Now’ button on Google Play.
Nomadic, a VR company that provides location-based virtual reality experiences. Nomadic’s first VR center has opened in Orlando, Florida, and offers an immersive, tactile adaptation of “Arizona Sunshine” arcade.
Phoenix Labs, a game studio that creates original AAA multiplayer titles like Dauntless.
Playfull, an ad platform that connects advertisers and gamers based on geo-targeting.
Boom, a leading esports entertainment platform, that connects influencers and communities.
MTG has also made smaller investments in companies like Runtime, a performance nutrition company in gaming and esports; Blitz, an esports learning app; Volley, the leader in voice-controlled games for smart speaker platforms like Amazon Echo and Google Home; and Mobcrush, a live streaming solution that helps gamers broadcast, monetise and connect with fans, no matter what social platform they use.

Categories: Articles, Business, Funding