Gamification and on-screen engagement company has worked with the likes of Sky Sports and DAZN
Sport Buff has raised $2.5 million (£2.21m) from its seed round of funding.
The gamification and on-screen engagement specialist received the funding from the likes of Sport Republic (UK), Longboard Capital (US), Calvert Drive (NZ) and Intrepid Ventures (CY), as well as personal investors such as Matthew Benham, owner of the Premier League’s Brentford FC.
Sport Buff creates graphics that fit around a broadcaster’s layout that can give information, interaction through posts, polls, and quizzes, and offer prize draws. It has worked with broadcasters such as Sky Sports and DAZN, as well as rights holders like MLS, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, on platforms including web, Android, iOS, Twitch and YouTube.
Founder and CEO Benn Achilleas said: “This investment round is a huge endorsement for our product, delivery and vision and will drive the next big steps in our development. It brings significant funding combined with the huge experience, valuable connections and excellent advice of investors, which will help us to scale-up, reach new partners and deliver for viewers, brands and broadcasters.
“Sport Buff works for rightsholders, broadcasters and consumers as viewers are proven to play and stay with the coverage, then come back for more. We’re changing the way the world watches sport. We have significant global deals, with broadcasters and rightsholders, both in place and in the pipeline and we’ve continued to grow our capabilities through important hires in the UK, Europe, North America and the Middle East.”
Henrik Kraft, chairman & co-founder of Sport Republic - the single biggest investor in this funding round - added: “Our investment in Sport Buff at this early stage is testament not only to our belief in the business, its leadership and its delivery but the opportunity they can bring across our businesses and to the global sports and broadcast industry.
“The global sport market is worth over $50bn in media rights and $200bn in betting revenues alone. It needs ways to increase engagement, build audiences and create fresh commercial opportunities – especially with next generation audiences - and Sport Buff can deliver all three.
“Whilst this summer has seen challenging conditions for investment, when the right business and opportunity presents itself there will always be strong interest.”
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