Top 12 esports tournament organizing investors in the Nordics
Top 12 esports tournament organizing investors in the Nordics
The esports tournament organizing industry in the Nordics thrives on competitive gaming events and community engagement. Companies involved range from startups fueling innovative platforms to established firms managing large-scale tournaments. They offer a variety of services including tournament organization, streaming, and sponsorship facilitation, often leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the viewer experience. With the esports audience rapidly growing, the industry is evolving to include in-game betting and corporate partnerships, making it an exciting sector for investment. The melding of gaming culture with mainstream entertainment points to ongoing expansion and increased investment opportunities.
The investors featured in this list represent a mix of venture capital firms and corporate entities, primarily headquartered in Stockholm, Denmark and Sweden. These entities, ranging from relatively new firms established in recent years to seasoned investors dating back to the 1980s, focus on the growing esports market. In 2024, the investors collectively participated in numerous funding rounds reflecting their strategic interest in the esports tournament organizing space. With deal counts varying from one to seventeen, their investment strategies are instrumental in shaping the future of esports.
Top 12 Esports Tournament Organizing Investors in the Nordics
1. Mtg
- Website: mtg.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1987
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: mtg
Modern Times Group (MTG) is a gaming and entertainment company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1987. With a focus on developing and publishing a wide range of mobile and browser games, MTG leverages its expertise in user engagement and innovation to provide engaging gaming experiences worldwide. Notably, MTG has made significant strides in the esports sector, acquiring ESL - Turtle Entertainment in July 2015 for approximately $86 million, which is a leading esports company known for organizing tournaments and events. In November 2015, MTG further expanded its esports presence by acquiring DreamHack, an established esports firm and event organizer, for SEK 244 million (around $28 million). DreamHack is renowned for its large-scale esports events and festivals, making this acquisition a strategic move to enhance MTG's footprint in the esports market. Additionally, MTG co-led a funding round for Legendary Play, which raised $4 million to develop titles for the esports audience, showcasing their ongoing commitment to the esports ecosystem.
2. Creandum
- Website: creandum.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2003
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 17
- LinkedIn: creandum
Creandum is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in building global, category-defining companies across various sectors, including fintech and health tech. Creandum provides venture capital investment, strategic support, and networking opportunities to startups. Notably, they have made significant investments in the esports industry, including a €12.5 million financing round for BLAST Premier, a prominent esports entertainment startup, and an $11.3 million investment in RFRSH Entertainment, which manages several esports teams and focuses on developing media content and live events. These transactions highlight Creandum's active role in the esports tournament organizing landscape, showcasing their commitment to nurturing companies that contribute to the growth of the esports ecosystem.
3. Heartcore Capital
- Website: heartcore.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Founded year: 2007
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 17
- LinkedIn: heartcorecapital
Heartcore Capital is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies and focuses on building long-term relationships with entrepreneurs. Heartcore has been active in the esports sector, participating in significant funding rounds for companies such as BLAST Premier, a leading esports tournament organizer, and RFRSH Entertainment, which manages top esports teams and develops media content and live events. Their investments in these companies highlight their interest and involvement in the esports tournament organizing industry, alongside their broader focus on technology startups.
4. Dreamcraft Ventures
- Website: dreamcraft.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Founded year: 2019
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: bumbleventures
Dreamcraft Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in investing in tech-driven companies across various sectors, including gaming, esports, and B2B SaaS. They provide not only capital but also hands-on support to help startups grow and succeed. Dreamcraft Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions in the esports space, including investments in Astralis, a prominent esports organization, and GRID Esports, which has raised significant funding to enhance its data platform for esports. Additionally, they have invested in GamerzClass, a platform aimed at providing educational content for gamers, which indirectly supports the esports community by fostering talent and skills development. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting the growth of the esports industry, particularly in areas that can enhance tournament organization and player engagement.
5. Telia
- Website: teliacompany.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1853
- Headcount: 10001+
- LinkedIn: teliacompany
Telia Company AB is a telecommunications company based in Solna, Stockholm, Sweden, operating primarily in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Founded in 1853, Telia offers a wide range of services including IoT connectivity, smart city solutions, and telephony services, catering to both businesses and public sector organizations. In the esports context, Telia has made significant investments, including the acquisition of Assembly Organizing Oy in June 2018, which is known for organizing esports tournaments. Furthermore, Telia Ventures participated in a $12 million funding round for Challengermode, an esports platform, alongside notable investors such as the Alibaba Group and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. These transactions highlight Telia's commitment to enhancing the esports landscape and its role as an active investor in the industry.
6. RightBridge Ventures
- Website: rightbridge.se
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2020
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn:
RightBridge Ventures Group AB is a venture capital firm based in Solna, Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in the esports and gaming industry, aiming to create a synergistic ecosystem that enhances growth and revenue opportunities for its portfolio companies. RightBridge Ventures has been involved in significant transactions, including leading a pre-series A funding round for ESPL, a fast-growing amateur esports tournament and media platform, which received a seven-digit funding amount. This investment highlights their focus on supporting tournament organizing initiatives within the esports sector. Additionally, they have invested in Lilmix Esports through multiple seed rounds, further demonstrating their commitment to the esports ecosystem.
7. Maki.vc
- Website: maki.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 2018
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 11
- LinkedIn: maki-vc
Maki.vc is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in seed-stage investments, particularly in deep tech and brand-driven companies. Maki.vc aims to provide funding and support to early-stage startups, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and innovation. They operate primarily in the Nordic region but maintain a global investment mandate. One of their notable transactions includes an investment in BLAST Premier, a Danish esports entertainment startup, which secured €12.5 million in a financing round that Maki.vc participated in. This investment highlights Maki.vc's engagement in the esports industry, particularly in companies that organize and promote esports tournaments.
8. Fragbite Group
- Website: fragbitegroup.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Solberga, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 51-200
- LinkedIn: fragbitegroup
Fragbite Group is a corporate investor based in Solberga, Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2015. The company specializes in gaming and esports, developing and publishing games and esports content across various platforms. They focus on innovative gaming experiences, particularly in the context of web3 technologies, catering to gamers and esports enthusiasts. Notably, Fragbite Group acquired Fragbite on December 1, 2020, a significant move that strengthens their foothold in the esports sector. Additionally, they acquired Lucky Kat Studios for $7.8 million on December 15, 2021, further expanding their portfolio in the gaming industry. These acquisitions reflect their strategy to enhance their capabilities in the esports domain, making them a relevant player in the esports tournament organizing landscape.
9. Sisu Game Ventures
- Website: sisu.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 2014
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: sisu-game-ventures
Sisu Game Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Helsinki, Finland, specializing in early-stage investments within the gaming industry. Founded in 2014, the firm aims to provide funding, strategic support, and industry connections to game developers and startups, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful gaming companies. Notably, Sisu Game Ventures participated in the funding round for the Esports Coaching Academy, which raised $750K in a pre-seed round, showcasing their interest in the esports sector. Additionally, they have been involved in other transactions, such as supporting Multiscription, a platform for free-to-play games, which indirectly relates to the gaming ecosystem. Their focus on fostering collaboration and innovation within the gaming sector positions them as a supportive player in the esports landscape.
10. byFounders
- Website: byfounders.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: København, Denmark
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 10
- LinkedIn: byfounders
byFounders VC is a venture capital firm based in København, Denmark, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments, focusing on supporting globally ambitious and impact-aware founders. By providing capital and access to a network of experienced operators, byFounders helps startups navigate their growth challenges. One notable transaction is their investment in GamerzClass, which raised $2.5 million in a seed round led by byFounders. GamerzClass aims to become a preferred partner for gaming creators, offering a superior monetization model, which is crucial for the esports ecosystem. This investment highlights byFounders' engagement in the gaming and esports sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies within this space.
11. Behold Ventures
- Website: behold.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2021
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: beholdventures
Behold Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in the video game industry, focusing on early-stage startups that are led by ambitious and creative founders aiming to create innovative entertainment experiences. In 2022, Behold Ventures led a $750K pre-seed funding round for the Esports Coaching Academy (ECA), an Icelandic organization dedicated to providing coaching and training for esports players. This investment highlights their commitment to the esports sector and their interest in supporting initiatives that enhance the competitive gaming landscape. By providing both financial support and industry expertise, Behold Ventures aims to help these companies succeed in a rapidly evolving market.
12. Knutsson Holdings AB
- Website: knutsson.se
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden
- Founded year: 1963
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: knutsson-holdings
Knutsson Holdings AB is a family-owned investment holding company based in Gothenburg, Sweden, founded in 1963. The firm invests in a diverse range of industries, including eGaming, healthcare, and real estate. It supports businesses by providing capital and strategic guidance to foster growth and innovation. In 2024, Knutsson Holdings AB participated in a significant funding round for Strive Gaming, which is focused on U.S. expansion in the gaming sector. This involvement highlights their commitment to the eGaming industry, which is closely related to esports tournament organizing, further solidifying their position as an investor in this space.
Esports Tournament Organizing Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mtg | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 1987 | 1 |
Creandum | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 2003 | 17 |
Heartcore Capital | Copenhagen, Denmark | 11-50 | 2007 | 17 |
Dreamcraft Ventures | Copenhagen, Denmark | 11-50 | 2019 | 5 |
Telia | Solna, Stockholm, Sweden | 10001+ | 1853 | 0 |
RightBridge Ventures | Solna, Stockholm, Sweden | 1-10 | 2020 | 1 |
Maki.vc | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 1-10 | 2018 | 11 |
Fragbite Group | Solberga, Stockholm, Sweden | 51-200 | 2015 | 0 |
Sisu Game Ventures | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 1-10 | 2014 | 2 |
byFounders | København, Denmark | 1-10 | 2017 | 10 |
Behold Ventures | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1-10 | 2021 | 3 |
Knutsson Holdings AB | Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden | 1-10 | 1963 | 2 |
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