The fantasy sports industry in the US has emerged as a dynamic sector, blending sports enthusiasm with digital engagement. Companies range from fantasy platforms and sports betting apps to content providers and analytics firms. They offer services like player drafting, contest organization, and real-time data analysis, enhancing the user experience. With advancements in technology and growing audiences, the industry is rapidly expanding. Insightful trends show increased participation rates and a rising shift towards blockchain integration for transparency and security. This vibrant market continues to attract attention, driving innovation and opportunities for players and investors alike.


The investors featured in this list represent a cross-section of venture capital firms headquartered primarily in tech-driven hubs like San Francisco and New York. These entities range in size, typically encompassing 11 to 200 employees, yet some boast larger operations. Founded between 1911 and 2023, they reflect varying investment strategies, with 2024 deal counts denoting their active involvement in the fantasy sports scene. With notable deals, ventures such as Y Combinator and FJ Labs illustrate strong interest amid a flourishing industry.


Top 14 Fantasy Sports 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 has played a crucial role in the technology startup ecosystem, having launched over 4,000 startups. Y Combinator provides funding and mentorship to early-stage companies, helping entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through structured programs and resources. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator has invested in Better Opinions, a prediction market startup, which aligns closely with the fantasy sports industry. They also invested in BeeBettor, a platform that raised funds in 2024, indicating a focus on betting and gaming. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement with companies that operate within the fantasy sports and betting landscape, showcasing their relevance in this niche.


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. Notably, 500 Global has made significant investments in the fantasy sports industry, including a recent funding round for the FanZ App, which raised 5.6 million Saudi riyals to expand its user base and introduce new features. Additionally, they invested in Eksab, an Egyptian sports startup, which aims to increase user predictions significantly. These transactions highlight 500 Global's active role in supporting innovative startups within the fantasy sports context, alongside their broader investment strategy.


3. 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

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has invested in companies within the fantasy sports industry, including Jock MKT, which raised $1,675,407 in a Series A round in February 2024, and FanUp, which has secured multiple rounds of funding, including a $4 million Seed II round led by notable industry players. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to the fantasy sports sector and its potential for growth.


4. 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, specializing in investments in gaming and emerging technologies. Founded in 2017, the firm has made a notable impact in the gaming industry by providing funding and support to startups navigating growth challenges. Their focus on Synthetic Reality™ places them at the forefront of innovation in gaming. Among their relevant transactions, BITKRAFT participated in the funding of Bit Fry Game Studios, which is developing the 'Ultimate Rivals' franchise, a competitive arcade-action sports game that intersects with fantasy sports. They also invested in The Action Network, a platform that enhances audience engagement in sports through analytics and fantasy sports content. These investments highlight BITKRAFT's commitment to the fantasy sports sector and its broader gaming ecosystem.


5. 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. They specialize in investing in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies, providing not only financial backing but also strategic advice and access to a vast network of industry experts. Among their notable transactions, SV Angel has invested in Underdog Fantasy, a company that has raised significant funding to develop a new class of fantasy sports apps aimed at enhancing user experience through social media integration. They participated in both the seed round and Series A funding for Underdog Fantasy, showcasing their active role in the fantasy sports industry. Additionally, they have invested in Yardbarker Media, which, while not exclusively a fantasy sports platform, operates in the sports media space, further indicating their interest in sports-related ventures.


6. 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. They provide capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have made investments in the fantasy sports sector, including Betr, which raised $20 million in Series A funding in August 2022 and $30 million in January 2022, both aimed at enhancing their offerings in sports betting and fantasy sports. Additionally, their investment in Matchday, which raised funds in July 2022, indicates their interest in companies that may be involved in fantasy sports. Their ongoing support for startups like HomeTeam Live, which raised funds in February 2025, further emphasizes their commitment to the sports and fantasy sports industries.


7. AU21 Capital

  • Website: au21.capital
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: au21capital

AU21 Capital is a Venture Capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments related to blockchain technology and supports innovative startups by providing capital and strategic guidance. Notably, AU21 Capital has invested in several projects that intersect with the fantasy sports industry, including Rage.Fan, a fan-first fantasy sports platform that raised $1.6 million to develop a blockchain-centric fantasy sports platform, and TradeStars, which raised $1.67 million to create a decentralized exchange for fractional NFTs focused on a fantasy stock market. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to driving growth in the blockchain space while also engaging with the emerging fantasy sports market.


8. 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 providing capital and support to startups led by underrepresented groups, promoting diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Gaingels has been actively involved in the fantasy sports industry, with notable investments including ThriveFantasy, a platform for fantasy sports contests, and Betr, which focuses on sports betting. Additionally, they invested in PredictionStrike, a fantasy sports stock market platform. Their investment in ZenSports, a mobile sports betting app, further highlights their engagement in the sports gaming sector. Through these transactions, Gaingels not only supports diverse leadership but also plays a significant role in the evolving landscape of fantasy sports and gaming.


9. Accel

  • Website: accel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 101
  • LinkedIn: accel-vc

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies primarily in the technology sector. The firm has a global presence with additional offices in London, India, and China. Notably, Accel has invested in Sorare, a leading soccer NFT trading platform that raised significant funding in both Series A and Series B rounds, highlighting its commitment to innovative platforms that blend sports and technology. Furthermore, Accel's investment in Smash.gg, an esports tournament management platform, showcases their interest in the competitive gaming space, which is closely tied to fantasy sports. These transactions reflect Accel's strategy of supporting companies that are at the intersection of sports, technology, and user engagement.


10. Goodwater Capital

  • Website: goodwatercap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: goodwater-capital

Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital has a diverse investment portfolio, focusing on various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, while also aiming to improve access to technology solutions for underserved communities. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Better Opinions, a prediction market startup, which raised $2.5 million in a seed round, and Z League, which raised over $13 million in a Series A round. These investments highlight Goodwater's engagement in the fantasy sports and gaming sectors, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies that enhance user engagement and experience in fantasy sports contexts.


11. Makers Fund

  • Website: makersfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: makersfund

Makers Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 2017, based in the United States, that focuses on investing in startups within the gaming and interactive entertainment sectors. The firm provides capital, strategic guidance, and access to a global network to help visionary entrepreneurs navigate early-stage challenges. Notably, Makers Fund has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like WinZO, which raised $13 million in a Series B round and $9.5 million in debt financing in 2021, as well as $18 million in a previous Series B round in 2020. They also invested in Midnite, a company that announced a $16 million Series A funding round in 2022, indicating their active role in supporting gaming-related ventures. These transactions highlight Makers Fund's commitment to the gaming industry, which includes fantasy sports as a key segment.


12. Tiger Global

  • Website: tigerglobal.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: tiger-global-management

Tiger Global Management, LLC is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in both public and private equity investments. Founded in 2001, the firm manages approximately $50 billion and focuses on innovative companies leveraging technology. Notably, Tiger Global has been actively involved in the fantasy sports industry, having invested heavily in Dream11, a leading fantasy sports platform, with multiple funding rounds totaling over $1.4 billion. Additionally, they have invested in Dream Sports and Games24x7, further solidifying their presence in the fantasy sports market. Their clients include institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking expert investment management and advisory services, making them a significant player in the venture capital landscape.


13. 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, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups across various industries, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Catalyst has made significant investments in the fantasy sports sector, particularly in Sleeper, a fantasy sports company. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Sleeper, including a $5.3 million Series A in 2018, a $20 million Series B in 2020, and a $40 million Series C in 2021. These investments highlight General Catalyst's active role in supporting the growth of fantasy sports platforms, making them a relevant player in this niche market.


14. Okx

  • Website: okx.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 96
  • LinkedIn: okxofficial

OKX is a cryptocurrency exchange and digital asset platform founded in 2017, based in the United States. It offers a range of services including buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies, catering to both individual traders and institutional investors. OKX provides advanced trading tools, trading bots, and managed trading sub-accounts to enhance the trading experience. Notably, OKX has been involved in several significant transactions that intersect with the fantasy sports industry. For instance, their investment in TradeStars, which raised $1.67 million to develop a decentralized exchange for fractional NFTs aimed at creating a fantasy stock market, highlights their commitment to innovative gaming concepts. Additionally, their support for Good Games Guild, a play-to-earn gaming hub, and Legends of Mitra, which focuses on P2E gaming and NFT marketplaces, further demonstrates their active role in the gaming and fantasy sports landscape.



Fantasy Sports 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
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
BITKRAFT VenturesDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)11-50201726
SV AngelSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10200944
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
AU21 CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020172
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
Goodwater CapitalBurlingame, California, United States (USA)51-200201441
Makers FundUnited States (USA)11-50201710
Tiger GlobalNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200125
General CatalystSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002000144
OkxUnited States (USA)1001-5000201796


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