# Play Versus

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/play-versus

- Industry: Software
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, US
- Website: www.playvs.com
- Total disclosed funding: $90M
- Latest round: Series C (Jul 19, 2019)
- Investors on record: 13

## About

Play Versus, Inc. is an innovative platform that integrates esports into educational curricula, offering schools the tools needed to organize and manage competitive gaming tournaments for students across North America.Founded in 2017 in Los Angeles, US, Play Versus, Inc. serves as a platform that allows middle and high schools to facilitate esports tournaments. The company has successfully raised a total of USD 10.5 mn, with the latest funding round being a Series C in October 2020, led by SoftBank Group. Delane Parnell, the CEO and founder, has previously engaged in entrepreneurial activities, focusing on enhancing student engagement through esports. The company has completed four deals since its inception.PlayVS operates as a leading platform in the scholastic esports sector, offering a comprehensive array of services designed to integrate competitive video gaming into school curricula. The core product is a league system that enables middle and high schools across the United States and Canada to organize and participate in esports tournaments, fostering engagement among students through structured competitions. The platform allows schools to enroll teams, with PlayVS managing aspects like scheduling, matchmaking, and record-keeping. The end users include students aged 13-21, coaches, and faculty members from various educational institutions, all aimed at enhancing student engagement through their passion for gaming. PlayVS also partners with organizations such as staypluggedin.gg to facilitate esports scholarships, further expanding its reach into the educational space.Revenue for PlayVS is generated primarily through subscription models and partnerships with educational institutions. Schools pay to enroll in the PlayVS esports league, which provides access to structured competitions and associated resources. The business transactions typically involve annual or seasonal fees paid by the schools to gain entry into the league, along with potential tiered pricing structures based on the level of service or support required. Furthermore, PlayVS positions itself as a facilitator for scholarships, potentially enhancing its revenue through collaborative agreements with colleges and universities eager to tap into emerging esports talent. While the specific pricing details for the services are not disclosed, the company's emphasis on delivering value through engagement and academic improvement drives its revenue model.In October 2020, Play Versus, Inc. raised USD 10.5 mn in Series C funding led by SoftBank Group, which will be utilized to enhance its platform and expand its offerings. The company plans to introduce new features and products aimed at improving the user experience for students and schools. Additionally, PlayVS aims to expand its market reach into more educational institutions across North America and explore international opportunities in regions where esports are gaining traction. The funding will support these initiatives, allowing PlayVS to enhance its operational capabilities and ensure effective implementation of its growth strategy.

## Funding rounds

- Series C, Jul 19, 2019, $49M — Battery Ventures, New Enterprise Associates, Sapphire Ventures
- Series B, Nov 8, 2018, $25M — New Enterprise Associates, Crosscut Ventures Management, Adidas AG, Coatue Management, Science, Elysian Park Ventures, Samsung NEXT Ventures, WndrCo, Plexo Capital
- Series A, May 18, 2018, $15M — New Enterprise Associates, Crosscut Ventures Management, Coatue Management, Cross Culture Ventures, Science, San Francisco 49ers

## Investors

- New Enterprise Associates (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/new-enterprise-associates) — Series A, Series B, Series C
- Crosscut Ventures Management (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/crosscut-ventures-management) — Series A, Series B
- Coatue Management (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/coatue-management) — Series A, Series B
- Cross Culture Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/cross-culture-ventures) — Series A
- Science (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/science) — Series A, Series B
- San Francisco 49ers — Series A
- Adidas AG — Series B
- Elysian Park Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/elysian-park-ventures) — Series B
- Samsung NEXT Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/samsung-next-ventures) — Series B
- WndrCo (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/wndrco) — Series B
- Plexo Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/plexo-capital) — Series B
- Battery Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/battery-ventures) — Series C
- Sapphire Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/sapphire-ventures) — Series C