Startups Investment Recap – March 31

Simplebet Raises $15 Million to Grow Micro-Betting Products

Simplebet, a sports betting startup closed their financing round of USD 15 million including investors Aristocrat, Florida Funders and former Cleveland CEO. The proceeds of the funding will be used to expand their in-play betting capabilities in US sports and launch a new micro betting product Scripts.

US telecommunications giant AT&T to absorb US$2.5bn of losses related to NFL Sunday Ticket

AT&T has agreed to a deal with TPG Capital to spin out the US telecommunications giant’s DirectTV broadcast business in a maneuver that sees the private equity firm apparently pay US$1.8 billion in cash.

Real Luck Group Ltd., parent company of esports betting platform Luckbox, has raised $17.8m (~£12.82m) in a private placement round led by Gravitas Securities

Triggered by the pandemic, Luckbox’s growth soared last year alongside the rise of esports gambling. This latest round puts the company in good stead to further its user acquisition strategy with esports communities.

Make a wish, Dream 11 is shooting stars

The canvas is getting bigger for India’s largest fantasy sports company Dream11. Just before the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021), Airbnb and Netflix investor TCV and few others have invested $400 million in Dream11’s parent entity. The current round has reportedly valued the company at $5 billion.

Multinational broadcaster Eleven Sports has acquired sports media company Team Whistle as part of plans to grow its business in North America.

In a deal which sets Eleven Sports on course to post combined revenues in excess of US$300 million for the financial year ending 30th June. ELEVEN Sports complete their family after acquiring sister company ASER Ventures sister company TEAM WHISTLE