Mastering the Game: How an eSports Startup Secured $20M with a Surprising Pitch Strategy

Lucra Sports CEO Dylan Robbins accomplished a remarkable feat earlier this year by securing famed public investor Cathie Wood and her ARK Invest Venture Fund as a lead investor in a startup fundraising round. Despite the challenges and odds stacked against him, Robbins managed to attract ARK’s investment, even though the fund had previously faced losses in a similar eSports company.

Lucra, a company that offers white-label interactive gaming competitions for businesses, raised a $20 million Series B round with ARK as the lead investor. This was a significant achievement considering the current trend where most venture capitalists are focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) startups.

Robbins shared two key secrets to landing a big-name investor like ARK. The first was to be friendly and open to everyone, as you never know where a casual conversation may lead. The second was to lead the pitch with AI, even if the company is not directly involved in AI technology.

Robbins’ journey to securing ARK’s investment began with a chance encounter at a New York bar, highlighting the importance of building relationships and seizing opportunities. Despite facing challenges due to the overwhelming focus on AI in the venture funding landscape, Robbins strategically adjusted his pitch to emphasize the potential impact of AI on leisure activities like gaming.

By highlighting Lucra’s unique value proposition and demonstrating consistent growth, Robbins was able to capture the interest of ARK and other investors. He also learned the importance of thinking big and having a grand vision to attract venture capital funding.

In conclusion, Robbins’ experience with securing funding for Lucra Sports serves as a valuable lesson in persistence, adaptability, and the power of building meaningful connections in the business world.

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