The esports tournament organizing industry in the US has experienced rapid growth, driven by the popularity of competitive gaming. Companies range from large event organizers managing global tournaments to start-ups focused on niche communities. They offer services that facilitate everything from player registration to live streaming and event management. Interesting insights highlight the increasing integration of technology, with platforms incorporating AI for matchmaking and community engagement. As esports continues to gain mainstream acceptance, investments are surging to enhance infrastructure, improve player experiences, and attract sponsors, indicating a robust future for organizations that can adapt and innovate.


This list includes a variety of venture capital firms that are significant players in the esports tournament organizing sector. The investors range from startups like 500 Global and SV Angel based in California to newer entrants like Deep Tech Fund in New Hampshire. These firms, mostly founded within the last two decades, have shown remarkable activity in 2024, with a combined total of over 1,800 investments aimed at supporting growth within the industry. With funding sizes varying widely, they underscore a growing recognition of esports as a lucrative investment venture.


Top 13 Esports Tournament Organizing Investors in the US


1. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments in the esports sector are Legionfarm, which raised $4.02 million in 2020 and $1.5 million in 2019, focusing on coaching and training for gamers, and Gamelynx, which raised $1.2 million for mobile esports development in 2018. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's commitment to supporting innovative companies within the esports industry.


2. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. With a global focus, 500 Global has made significant investments in the esports industry, including Funway Esports, which raised funds in a seed round in November 2021, and GamerzClass, which raised $500,000 in a pre-seed round in December 2019. They also invested in Unikrn, a Seattle-based esports betting platform that raised $7 million in a Series A round in June 2015. These investments highlight 500 Global's commitment to supporting innovative startups within the esports sector, further establishing their relevance in the esports tournament organizing landscape.


3. BITKRAFT Ventures

  • Website: bitkraft.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: bitkraftvc

BITKRAFT Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in gaming and emerging technologies, providing funding and support to startups in these sectors. BITKRAFT Ventures has a strong focus on Synthetic Reality™, positioning them at the forefront of innovation in the gaming industry. Notably, they have invested in several companies relevant to esports tournament organizing, including Community Gaming, which raised $16 million to enhance its platform for organizing esports tournaments. They also led a $10 million funding round for Veritas Entertainment, which is focused on creating an esports event business and a dedicated venue for community and competition. Furthermore, their investment in Boom.tv, which raised $10 million to support its esports entertainment platform and events, highlights their commitment to the esports ecosystem. These transactions demonstrate BITKRAFT's active role in supporting the growth of esports tournament organizing.


4. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The fund is part of a larger network of over 10,000 investors, providing access to diversified venture portfolios. While the fund has made a significant number of investments across various sectors, it has also engaged in notable transactions within the esports industry. For instance, it participated in the seed funding round for GamerGains Lab, which aims to launch a platform offering crypto rewards to gamers, and has shown interest in Esports One, a fantasy esports platform. These transactions highlight the fund's engagement with innovative companies in the esports space, aligning with its broader investment strategy.


5. FJ Labs

  • Website: fjlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 169
  • LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries. Notably, they have invested in Generation Esports, participating in both Series A and Series C funding rounds, which highlights their commitment to the esports sector. Additionally, their involvement in GamerGains Lab, a platform designed to offer crypto rewards to gamers, further emphasizes their interest in the gaming and esports landscape. This diverse investment strategy showcases FJ Labs' adaptability and focus on innovative startups, including those in the esports tournament organizing space.


6. SV Angel

  • Website: svangel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 44
  • LinkedIn: sv-angel

SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments in the technology sector, providing financial backing, strategic advice, and access to a vast network of industry experts. SV Angel has been involved in several notable transactions within the gaming and esports context, including investments in Guilded, which raised $3.2 million in a seed round to enhance communication and organization for gamers, and Mountaintop Studios, which is developing a competitive shooter game. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to fostering innovation in the gaming industry, making them a supportive partner for startups in the esports tournament organizing space.


7. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a venture capital firm founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. NEA partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. In the esports context, NEA has made notable investments, including a $46 million Series B funding round for Gen.G Esports, which aims to expand its operations and develop a youth esports academy. Additionally, NEA participated in multiple funding rounds for PlayVS, a platform dedicated to high school esports, including a $50 million Series C round and earlier Series B and A rounds. These transactions highlight NEA's commitment to supporting the growth of esports and its infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a significant player in the esports tournament organizing industry.


8. General Catalyst


General Catalyst is a venture capital firm founded in 2000, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth investments across various industries, including technology and healthcare. Recently, General Catalyst has been involved in notable transactions that align with the esports and gaming sectors. For instance, they led a $14.1 million funding round for Triumph, a platform that facilitates real-money gaming and takes a percentage of tournament fees, indicating a direct connection to esports tournament organization. Additionally, their investments in companies like Jadu and Sleeper, while not directly related to esports tournaments, showcase their broader interest in innovative technology and gaming solutions. This diverse portfolio positions General Catalyst as a significant player in the evolving landscape of esports and gaming.


9. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm focuses on fostering diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy by providing capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups. Gaingels has been active in the esports and gaming sectors, as evidenced by their investments in companies like Wicked Saints Studios, which aims to engage young activists through interactive story games, and XSET, a prominent esports organization that recently completed a $15 million Series A funding round. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to supporting diverse leadership within the gaming industry, while also contributing to the growth of esports tournament organizing and related activities.


10. Elysian Park Ventures


Elysian Park Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in the sports industry, providing capital and strategic advisory services to companies at various stages of growth. Elysian Park Ventures focuses on sectors that intersect with sports, technology, health, and commerce. They have been involved in several notable transactions, including leading a $30.5 million Series B funding round for PlayVS, an infrastructure platform for high school esports, and a $12 million Series A funding for GAMURS Group, a gaming and esports media network. These investments reflect their commitment to fostering innovation and expansion within the esports tournament organizing landscape, making them a relevant player in this space.


11. Big Brain Holdings

  • Website: bigbrain.holdings
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Weston, Florida, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 54
  • LinkedIn: big-brain-holdings

Big Brain Holdings is a venture capital firm based in Weston, Florida, specializing in early-stage investments in blockchain technology. Founded in 2021, the firm partners with visionary founders across various sectors, including gaming, consumer products, infrastructure, WEB3 tools, and decentralized finance. In 2024 alone, they have made 54 investments, showcasing their active role in the investment landscape. Notable transactions include their investment in MatchboxDAO, a community of on-chain game developers that raised $7.5 million, and Planet Mojo, which raised $5.5 million for its gaming initiatives. Additionally, they have invested in Arcade2earn and Rand, both of which are involved in gaming. These transactions highlight Big Brain Holdings' commitment to supporting innovative gaming projects, which are crucial for the evolving esports tournament organizing industry.


12. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. The firm connects startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. They focus on technology sector businesses and have made a significant number of investments, totaling 253 in 2024 alone. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Stream Hatchet, which specializes in analytics for live streaming and esports, indicating their interest in the esports industry. Other investments include companies like Brella and Socialeads, which, while not directly related to esports tournament organizing, showcase their broad investment strategy in technology startups. Overall, Plug and Play Tech Center is a versatile investor with some involvement in the esports sector, particularly through analytics, but lacks a strong focus on tournament organizing.


13. Intel Capital

  • Website: intelcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In the esports context, Intel Capital has made notable investments, including a significant $25 million Series A funding round for Game.tv, an esports platform aimed at enhancing mobile gaming communities and tournament sponsorships. This investment highlights Intel Capital's commitment to supporting the growth of esports and its related ecosystems. Additionally, Intel Capital has participated in various funding rounds for companies like WSC Sports, which, while not exclusively focused on esports, operates in the sports technology space, further indicating its engagement with the broader sports and entertainment sectors.



Esports Tournament Organizing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
BITKRAFT VenturesDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)11-50201726
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
SV AngelSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10200944
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
General CatalystSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002000144
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
Elysian Park VenturesLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)1-1020163
Big Brain HoldingsWeston, Florida, United States (USA)11-50202154
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123


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