Investment of $7M by LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and Others in Fantasy Sports and Gaming Platform
In a significant move for the fantasy sports industry, Fantasy Life, a platform that allows sports fans to assemble their own all-star rosters of favourite players, has secured a $7 million investment led by LRMR Ventures, the investment firm of LeBron James and Maverick Carter, and SC Holdings.
The new funding will be used to expand Fantasy Life's platform, facilitate the acquisition of Guillotine Leagues - a unique week-to-week survival fantasy game, and enhance mobile experiences for players.
Guillotine Leagues, created by Paul Charchian's Heavy Blade LLC banner, is a well-established name in the fantasy sports industry. Traditionally, these customized rosters have competed for cash prizes against other players, using the real statistics provided by each player on the gridiron, basketball court, baseball diamond, or any other playing field.
The investment round brings significant sports, entertainment, and tech industry experience and connections to Fantasy Life. LeBron James and Maverick Carter, through LRMR Ventures, will authentically connect the platform to the fantasy football community. Other high-profile investors such as John Legend and Chad Hurley add media and tech expertise. Roger Ehrenberg and David Blitzer bring sports franchise ownership experience, while Gerry Cardinale and Jeff Shell contribute investment and entertainment industry leadership. Tony Khan offers sports executive insight.
Notable NFL players, including Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Austin Ekeler, are not only investors but also lend their authenticity to the platform.
Matthew Berry, the founder and an NBC Sports fantasy football personality, drives the company's vision. He aims to develop new technology, tools, and content for fantasy sports fans, positioning Fantasy Life as a game changer in the industry.
The funding will enable Fantasy Life to evolve into a tech-forward platform with enhanced personalization and a mobile-first approach. Matthew Berry, in a statement, said, "With smart, personalized tools, entertaining content, and the best damn fantasy game ever in Guillotine Leagues, we're building a platform that will be a game changer for fantasy sports."
Fantasy Life is led by CEO Eliot Crist, formerly COO of fantasy and betting platform FTN Network. The platform was launched in 2022 and will use the new funding to develop a more customizable app and improve mobile experiences for players.
Matthew Berry hosts the weekday "Fantasy Football Happy Hour" podcast, which is simulcast on NBCUniversal's streamer, Peacock. He describes Fantasy Life as the culmination of his decades of experience and aims to be a destination for every kind of player, from beginner to sharp.
[1] TechCrunch. (2022). Fantasy Life raises $7M to build a more customizable fantasy sports app. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/31/fantasy-life-raises-7m-to-build-a-more-customizable-fantasy-sports-app/
[2] VentureBeat. (2022). Fantasy Life raises $7M to bring its unique fantasy sports experience to mobile. [online] Available at: https://venturebeat.com/2022/08/31/fantasy-life-raises-7m-to-bring-its-unique-fantasy-sports-experience-to-mobile/
[3] Variety. (2022). Fantasy Life Raises $7 Million in Seed Funding. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/fantasy-life-raises-7-million-in-seed-funding-1235307834/
[4] SportsPro. (2022). Fantasy Life raises $7m to build personalised fantasy sports app. [online] Available at: https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/fantasy-life-raises-7m-to-build-personalised-fantasy-sports-app
- With $7 million in funding, Fantasy Life, a platform for football, basketball, and other sports, aims to develop new technology, tools, and content, positioning itself as a game changer in the fantasy sports industry.
- The investment round, led by LRMR Ventures (LeBron James and Maverick Carter's firm), SC Holdings, John Legend, Chad Hurley, Roger Ehrenberg, David Blitzer, Gerry Cardinale, Jeff Shell, and Tony Khan, brings tech, sports, entertainment, and media expertise to Fantasy Life.
- Notable NFL players, including Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Austin Ekeler, are investors in Fantasy Life, lending their authenticity to the platform.
- Matthew Berry, the founder and an NBC Sports fantasy football personality, hosts the "Fantasy Football Happy Hour" podcast and aims to make Fantasy Life a destination for every kind of sports fan, from beginner to sharp, with smart, personalized tools, entertaining content, and the unique Guillotine Leagues game.
