US-based private equity firm Vision Venture Partners has launched an eSports-focused fund with a $38m capital raise led by Evolution Media, the investment firm co-founded by talent agency CAA.
The fund’s other limited partners include baseball franchises the New York Yankees and St Louis Cardinals, and Shamrock Holdings, the investment firm owned by the estate of Roy E. Disney, formerly a senior executive at entertainment conglomerate Walt Disney.
The LPs list is rounded out by Seth Bernstein Capital Management, Simon Tikhman of music management and publication services provider First Access Entertainment, and private investors including American footballer Odell Beckham Jr.
Vision Esports is as an investment fund but also hosts production studios and eSports training facilities. It is the largest shareholder in eSports talent agency Echo Fox, gaming world record validator Twin Galaxies and eSports content and event provider Vision Entertainment.
Evolution Media managing partner Rick Hess said: “ESports is one of the highest growth sectors within all media and entertainment. We could not be more bullish on the space and Vision’s market position.”
Stratton Sclavos, Vision Esports’ managing general partner, added: “Our investors are some of the smartest and most accomplished names in sports and media and they share our passion, committing not only capital but also their organisational resources and relationships in our quest to change the professional sports landscape.”