VC BITKRAFT raised $165 mn for esport investing

A Berlin-based Venture Capital Fund, BITKRAFT Ventures has announced the closing of a new $165 Million venture fund that will be used for Seed and Series A investments in various companies related to the Game Studios, Interactive Platforms and Immersive Technologies. BITKRAFT Ventures is founded by former ESL CEO and G2 Esports chairman Jens Hilgers. 

The new fund’s investor list consists of many renowned names. Under corporate investor category names such as Adidas (ETR: ADS), WPP (LON: WPP), Logitech (NASDAQ: LOGI), and Advance Publications. Under family office category prominent names consisted of Bruce Karsh’s Carolwood, David M. Rubenstein’s Declaration Partners, and Jonathan Soros’ JS Capital.

BITKRAFT initially got launched with a pre-seed round in 2017. Since then the BITKRAFT has invested in more than 50 companies across North America, Asia and Europe. Complete list of the BITKRAFT portfolio companies from previous funding rounds can be found here. Invested list of companies consisted of H4X, FanAI, Anzu.io, VENN, Epics.gg and Epic Games. 

Global Esport Market Growth

The global electronic sports market is expected to grow from $694.2 Million in 2017 to more than $2.17 Billion by 2023, at a compounded annual growth rate of 18.61% in between 2018 and 2023. Market dynamics of the esports industry is as follows -

BITKRAFT is also an investor in the Roundhill Investments sponsored - The Roundhill BITKRAFT Esports & Digital Entertainment Exchange Traded Fund. It is the first ETF which allows retail and institutional investors exposure to esports & digital entertainment.

Understanding the NERD ETF

NERD Exchange Traded Fund tracks the Roundhill BITKRAFT Esports Index. The index consists of the globally-listed companies in the video gaming industry. The companies are in the segments of video gaming tournaments and league operators/owners, competitive team owners, streaming network operators, hardware companies, video game publishers, and others.