Tribe Gaming, a mobile esports startup, announced that it has raised $1.04 million in its first round of investment capital, which will be used to open a new headquarters and content creator lab in Austin.
The company aims to unify content creators, pro gamers and their fans by providing a space where users can view and compete in mobile esports matches. Tribe’s teams compete in several major mobile game titles, including Call of Duty: Mobile, Clash of Clans and PUBG Mobile.
Founded in 2017 by mobile gaming content creators Patrick Carney and Jonathan Sakoucky, Tribe has garnered more than 15 million subscribers and 67 million monthly views on YouTube.
“Just a few years ago, mobile games were dismissed as simple puzzles and time-wasters — now mobile has grown into its own ecosystem of complex games and world-class competition, with an extremely passionate fanbase at its core,” Carney said in a statement. “We started Tribe to help mobile gaming grow into the best it can be, and I’m grateful for the confidence our new investors have placed in our vision to help it reach the next level.”
Investors include Boston Celtics player Gordon Hayward, mobile gaming veteran Kristian Segerstrale, WWE fighter Claudio Castagnoli and angel investor Victor Krahn. These backers will also serve as strategic advisors to Tribe.
“I’ve been an NBA All-Star and made it to the NCAA championship, but I still get a rush when I’m taking down my enemy’s towers in a game of Clash,” Hayward said in a statement. “Tribe is about celebrating mobile gaming, whether it’s by cheering your team on the sidelines or watching your favorite streamers on your couch. I’ve been a mobile gaming fan for a long time, and I can’t wait to help bring those experiences to more people around the world.”
