StatusPRO, a pioneering company in the sports technology and gaming sector, has successfully raised $20 million in a significant Series A financing round. This achievement, led by GV (Google Ventures), positions StatusPRO among the most promising VR gaming startups, focusing on delivering genuine extended reality experiences using real-time athlete data. This funding marks a milestone as one of the most substantial initial rounds for a company in the VR gaming sphere, demonstrating confidence in StatusPRO’s innovative approach to sports gaming.
This financial boost is backed by notable investors, including Dream Sports from India, the Wise Ventures under the stewardship of Minnesota Vikings owners Mark & Zygi Wilf, JDS Sports, Alumni Ventures, and contributions from high-profile figures like LeBron James, Drake, and others who have previously invested in the company.
The foundation of StatusPRO is the brainchild of ex-footballers Troy Jones and Andrew Hawkins. Their vision was to transform how sports are experienced by coaches, players, and fans through the application of XR technology. In 2022, they introduced NFL PRO ERA, the first VR simulation game licensed by the NFL and NFLPA, offering an unparalleled first-person sports experience. The game lets users step into the shoes of an NFL quarterback, enhancing fan engagement through a deeply immersive VR environment. With features like head-to-head multiplayer modes, NFL PRO ERA has redefined the virtual sports gaming landscape, making it a leading franchise in VR sports gaming.
Since its launch, NFL PRO ERA has attracted over a million users, with engagement times significantly surpassing VR industry norms. This success has not only placed StatusPRO at the forefront of VR gaming studios but also solidified NFL PRO ERA as a groundbreaking achievement in the realm of Black-founded gaming franchises.
The recent funding round will enable StatusPRO to expand its portfolio into new sports ventures, continuously innovate its technology, and enhance game features. The investment underscores the potential of using advanced technology to create novel sports fan engagement platforms, aiming to bring fans even closer to the athletic experience.
Moreover, the company has attracted a diverse group of new investors from various fields, including sports, entertainment, and business, signaling broad-based support for StatusPRO’s mission to revolutionize sports gaming through VR.
With the VR gaming market expected to see substantial growth in the coming years, StatusPRO is strategically positioned to capture a significant share of this expanding industry. The company aims to continue its innovation streak, leveraging VR to offer fans worldwide a unique glimpse into professional sports, thereby setting the stage for further exploration into other sports and teams.
