As the pandemic continues to keep many people separated, a startup with local ties is looking to keep them connected through video games. And a new round of funding is helping to expand its reach.
St. Louis, Mo.-based recreation league esports platform Mission Control, which has executive staff based in Dallas and has been partnering with a number of local organizations in recent months, announced closing a $1.75 million Seed round of funding co-led by Dundee Venture Capital, M25, Cultivation Capital and MATH Venture partners.
“Our goal is to connect and grow communities through digitally organized social experiences through competition and play,” Mission Control co-founder and CEO Austin Smith told NTX Inno via email. “We're always continuing to update and improve on our product, but this allows us to do so at a much quicker rate. If a new game comes out, we can now almost instantly add it to the offerings for our partners. It also allows us to focus on creating the best recreational esports experience for our customers and partners.”
While the new round of funding was in the works before the Covid-19 pandemic, the influx of cash will expand into new markets and communities. Smith said that due to the pandemic shuttering the activities of local recreational sports leagues, many have been looking to Mission Control to move their communities online.
Mission Control’s software allows users to create their own sports leagues, digitally recreating events and intramurals. The company was launched in 2018 by former employees of early-stage sportstech VC firm Stadia Ventures. Users and organizations can create communities based on interests, alumni groups and geographic locations, among other things.
“…organizations are reaching out to us to use our software to help create digital offerings for their communities. As we live in more isolation and quarantine, video games and Mission Control have allowed individuals to stay connected or connect with new friends,” Smith said.
The startup has seen in uptick in business due to the pandemic. In recent months, it has partnered with local organizations like Dallas Parks & Rec., the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas and local universities like Dallas Baptist University and UT Arlington. The uptick and new funding has also allowed Mission Control to add new hires, including Abel Rios as its new CTO and Daniel Herz (who is based in Dallas) as its new CRO.
In April, Herz told Inno that even before the outbreak of COVID-19 in the region, Mission Control saw North Texas as a natural fit for its business. He said that with a number of established esports teams, a deep history of esports in the community, as well as tech and event infrastructure make it attractive for the esports community both professionally and recreationally.
“Right now we see Mission Control providing a sense of community when people need it the most,” Smith said. “Our platform provides structure and connection in a time that is chaotic.”
