Guild Esports (Guild), a new global esports business headquartered in London and co-owned by David Beckham, has announced its global launch amid a booming global esports market.
Beckham is taking a significant minority stake through DB Ventures, his personal investment vehicle, that makes him the company’s second-biggest shareholder.
London-based start-up Guild Esports, which will run competitive teams and launch a player academy, is seeking a valuation of approximately £100m following its £25m fundraising, which it says is well under way.
The business will sign up gamers and use lessons from real-life sport to coach them and compete for prize money in Rocket League, EA Sports’ Fifa, and Fortnite. It will also hope to draw on Mr Beckham’s global appeal to generate sponsorship income.
The company’s executive chairman is Carleton Curtis, who was integral to the creation of the Overwatch League and the Call of Duty league in his executive role at Activision Blizzard. Curtis also held senior roles at Red Bull Esports and Fox Sports.
While principally known for his time as a professional football player, Beckham is also the owner of Inter Miami, a new football team in the US-based competition Major League Soccer.
Guild Esports expects its first professional team to compete this year, starting in the autumn.
