Esports-focused social media network Juked.gg has announced a strategic partnership with investment syndicate Gaingels and The Mini Fund, an advisory and investment fund.
The deal includes a strategic investment round, led by both Gaingels and The Mini Fund, with participation from Jeremy Terman, Owner of the esports organisation Kansas City Pioneers, and entrepreneur John Ebbert.
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According to the release, Juked will leverage the connections, experience and knowledge of these investors to inform its go-to-market strategy and roll-out of its mobile app over the coming months.
Financial terms of the investments were not disclosed.
Ben Goldhaber, CEO of Juked, commented: “We’ve talked to thousands of esports fans since we originally launched Juked more than two years ago, and found a common theme that people are sick of the low-quality discussion, spam, and toxicity all too prevalent on existing social platforms.
“For the long-term sustained growth of esports, we need to evolve and become a more inclusive community, and we need to reduce the existing barriers to entry to becoming an esports fan. These are top-level goals for Juked.”
The Juked app, currently in closed alpha testing with 500 early users, supports six esports titles, namely CS:GO, VALORANT, Halo, Call of Duty, League of Legends and Overwatch.
The platform also reportedly plans to implement a user reputation system and AI to reward and encourage positive behaviour on the platform.
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Lorenzo Thione, Managing Director of Gaingels, stated: “As the largest investor network focused on supporting and investing in the best venture-backed companies that embrace and value diverse leadership, including LGBTQ+, Gaingels is proud of participating in this financing and is resolved on helping Juked in its mission to positively change the culture of gaming and esports to be more open and diverse.”
Esports Insider says: This strategic partnership, including the investment, will certainly help Juked in its objective of creating a more diverse, inclusive and toxicity-free environment for esports fans. It also helps when the chosen investors are focused on supporting companies that embrace diversity and inclusivity.