Popular Swedish Esports org Fnatic has secured a Series A funding amounting to $19 million, which was announced today on their website.
Tech Entrepreneur and owner of LVL1 group Lev Leviv was the major backer in this round along with Raptor Group, Unbound, BlackPine, Joi Ito and Beringea.
In the statement they also announced a change of leadership, with founder Sam Mathews returning as the CEO, replacing Wouter Sleijffers after 4 years. Mercedes AMG F1 CEO Nick Fry has been named Chairman in a massive shakeup of the composition of the management.
“This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of Fnatic” said Mathews.
“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 15 years and now is the time to build on this strong foundation to realise our vision of being the leading global esports brand. To have such high calibre investors is telling of the potential they see in Fnatic and our future. We would not be at this point without the invaluable contribution of Wouter over the last four years, we are extremely grateful and sincerely wish him all the best.”
Departing CEO Wouter Sleijffers said in a statement on Fnatic’s website:
“When starting over 4 years ago in Fnatic, I could not have envisioned in my wildest dreams the journey and the transformation we’ve gone through. Fnatic, already the world’s most recognisable and successful competitive organisation in esports, transformed itself into a groundbreaking global brand representing the passion of billions like no one else does. Or simply said, to make every esports fan feel super proud and show the world what esports really is about.
I’m grateful for having been among an amazing team of people, amazing players and staff, amazing fans, amazing partners and having made a lot of amazing friends along the way. To be part of Fnatic, is truly unique. We all wrote a part in the esports history books and Fnatic will continue to do so. Thank you for making Fnatic awesome!
I wish everyone much esports excitement and fortune ahead. No doubt our paths will cross again and I look forward to stay in touch.”
About Fnatic
Fnatic is a leading, global esports organisation with professional teams and unrivalled legacy in the most popular competitive games, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Dota 2, Fortnite, and more.
Founded in 2004 by Sam Mathews, Fnatic teams have claimed multiple international championships since its inception, including the inaugural League of Legends World Championship, seven EU LCS Championships and three separate CS:GO Majors, a record unparalleled by any other team.
Dedicated to being the first globally recognised esports lifestyle brand, Fnatic develops a line of award-winning gaming peripherals in-house, Fnatic GEAR, designs and produces a number of apparel lines as well as partners with the most forward-thinking global brands.
Fnatic is headquartered in London, United Kingdom with additional operational locations in Berlin, Belgrade, Los Angeles, Taipei, Shenzhen and Kuala Lumpur.
