The hype around esports is real. The highest-earning competitive gamer Johan Sundstein, better known as N0tail, raked in a total of around $6.9M for Dota 2, so it’s no surprise that more people are looking to become competitive gamers. ProGuides is the structured, curriculum-based learning tool helping beginners become competitive and expert gamers to practice and refine their skills. ProGuides wants to replace shoddily executed YouTube video tutorials and broadcasts with masterclasses from the premiere, pro gamers. ProGuides already offers classes in many games including League of Legends, Fortnite, and Call of Duty.
LA TechWatch spoke to Sam Wang, where he gave us a brief overview of ProGuides’ purpose and recent funding round, which brings its total funding raised to $6.9M across two rounds.
Who were your investors and how much did you raise?
M13 Ventures led the round, with participation by Amplify LA, Quest Venture Partners and GFR fund. $5M, post-seed.
Tell us about the service ProGuides offers.
As a Masterclass for Gamers, ProGuides is an esports learning platform where players get better.
What inspired the start of ProGuides?
As a competitive gamer, I was looking for high-quality content that could provide me with a competitive edge. After being frustrated by poorly structures YouTube videos and bedroom broadcasts, ProGuides was developed.
How is ProGuides different?
We’re curriculum-based content with a structured, class-like format that introduces advanced strategies to help gamers get better. We’re also the only gaming platform that offers coaching sessions on-demand.
What market are you targeting and how big is it?
Esports overall is a huge market with tens of millions of fans. We’re focused on supporting dedicated gamers, be it those who are simply hoping to be competitive with friends, or conversely are training for professional roles on formal teams
Who do you consider to be your main competitors?
Mobalytics.
What’s your business model?
Yearly subscription model for unlimited access to content. Coaching sessions are priced by individual coaches.
What was the funding process like?
We were lucky to find great partners who supported our vision for the company without compromising our focus.
What are the biggest challenges that you faced while raising capital?
Staying true to the company’s vision and our focus was key. It would have been easy to cash checks and adopt a new path for the company, but we were lucky to find partners who believed in our approach and market fit.
What factors about your business led your investors to write the check?
Our growth and market potential drew a lot of attention.
What are the milestones you plan to achieve in the next six months?
In the next six months, ProGuides will launch new product features, additional games, bring content development in house with a dedicated production studio and make various key hires across development, creative and executive ranks.
What advice can you offer companies in Los Angeles that do not have a fresh injection of capital in the bank?
Build a profitable business! Focus on what works, scrap whatever doesn’t and fuel your own growth with earned capital.
What is your favorite restaurant in LA?
Any that will deliver to our offices.
