eSports are more popular than ever and there is a significant fanbase surrounding influential eSport competitors. Quarterback Inc. is an eSports engagement platform that enables streamers and professional eSport players to engage with their fanbase. This platform allows influential gamers to create custom game experiences for their fans, and it is the first platform that allows gamers to generate revenue when they are offline.
LA TechWatch spoke with CEO and Cofounder Jonathan Weinberg, to learn about this company’s exciting plans after receiving its first round of seed funding for the startup founded in the winter of 2017.
Who were your investors and how much did you raise?
$2.5M Seed. Led by Bitkraft Esports. Additional investors include Crest Capital Ventures, Deep Space Ventures, OpenDoor Venture Capital, UpWest Labs and angel investors.
Tell us about Quarterback.
Quarterback is an eSports fan engagement platform that helps streamers, professional e-sports players and teams monetize their downtime.
What inspired you to start Quarterback?
Personally, I am a gamer ever since I remember myself. I got introduced into the world of eSports when I attended an eSports competition in Las Vegas, where I witnessed the amazing bond between professional players and their fans. After conducting a vast market research, I decided to found Quarterback Inc. to reinvent the way gaming influencers engage with their community
How is it Quarterback different?
Quarterback is the first platform that enables gaming video creators and streamers to create custom game experiences, such as challenges and tournaments, for their fans.
The first platform that generates revenue for gaming influencers’ on their “down-time” (when they are offline / not creating new content). We enable gaming influencers’ to become an integral part of their fans gameplay
What market are you targeting and how big is it?
ESports. Global eSports revenues will grow 38% to $906M in 2018 and further grow to $1.65B by 2021, according to market researcher Newzoo. To get there, fans have to start spending as much on their favorite eSports teams as they do with traditional sports such as the NBA.
What’s your business model?
Subscriptions and Advertisements
Will Quarterback Inc. create a new type of celebrity? If so, what is that?
Influencers in the gaming industry that can rely on their gaming skills and in- game activities and not just streaming/video content.
What was the funding process like?
We are grateful to say that we swiftly built a strong case that attracted various investors. For us it was about bringing in the best investors who could add the most strategic value.
What are the biggest challenges that you faced while raising capital?
What we’re building is new, different, and complex. It takes time to get the message out right.
What factors about your business led your investors to write the check?
According to them: Phenomenal team, outstanding tech, great vision.
What are the milestones you plan to achieve in the next six months?
Further fuel the development of the platform and accelerate the company’s growth globally. Specifically, we plan to hire an all-star marketing team, host VIP events for key streamers, fans and leading figures in the industry, and further develop the platform’s product roadmap with the goals of increasing our offering to this valuable community of streamers.
What advice can you offer companies in Los Angeles that do not have a fresh injection of capital in the bank?
I believe the most important strength of an entrepreneur is his or her resilience. Keep doing what you do, keep believing in what you’re building but first and foremost – have fun in the process. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Where do you see the company going now over the near term?
You’ll have to wait and see. If you want an inside look, we are hiring and looking for great people to join our team!
What is your favorite LA bar, when you need to kick back and relax?
SALT in Marina Del Rey
