Tribe Gaming raises over $1M, including from NBA, WWE stars

Mobile-centric esports organisation Tribe Gaming has closed its seed funding round, raising over $1 million (£831,680).

Boston Celtics player Gordon Hayward was part of the round, alongside WWE pro wrestler Claudio “Cesaro” Castagnoli. They will serve as strategic advisors to the organisation along with others who contributed.

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Patrick “Chief Pat” Carney, CEO of Tribe Gaming, commented in a release: “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 fan base at its core. 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.”

Other investors in the round include Kristian Segerstrale, CEO of game developer Super Evil Megacorp, along with angel investor Victor Krahn. The round will help fuel Tribe’s expansion plans ahead, including a headquarters and content creation lab in Austin, Texas. Tribe Gaming currently competes in Clash Royale, Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars, PUBG Mobile, and Call of Duty Mobile.

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Hayward, pictured above alongside Carney, added: “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 [Royale]. 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.”

Esports Insider says: Tribe has been one of the most successful organisations in the mobile space, and these high-profile investors suggest that interest in mobile esports is expanding in the West. It’ll be interesting to see if Gordon Hayward or Cesaro end up representing Tribe in content or other activations.

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