Rival, a NYC-based provider of a fan engagement platform built on gaming competitions, closed a $2.8 million first funding round and acquired Shake, a remote provider of a Gen Z-focused social games platform.
Co-founded in 2024, Shake orchestrates prediction contests tied to live sports and entertainment that have resonated with Gen Z users. With the acquisition, Shake’s technology and product thinking will reportedly be integrated into Rival’s infrastructure, with a combined platform that offers new opportunities for teams, leagues and brands to connect with fans.
Rival’s partners are reportedly the New York Giants, Detroit Pistons, New Balance, Baltimore Ravens, and Coca-Cola.
As part of the acquisition, Shake Co-Founders Jack Kingsley and Spencer Lichtenberg will join the Rival Leadership team. Kingsley joins as chief operating officer and Lichtenberg will serve as chief technology officer. Heather Brooks Karatz, the executive chairperson of Shake and founding partner of Third Space Capital, will become a strategic advisor to Rival.
“Shake has built something special — simple, social and sticky play that keeps fans coming back every day,” said Matt Virtue, CEO of Rival. “This acquisition unlocks the next level for Rival. Together, we now offer a full spectrum of competitive formats, helping brands own their communities across every level of engagement.”
Kingsley said that Shake was built on the belief that the next generation has the most fun competing with their community.
“Joining Rival takes that vision to the next level — linking how young fans already spend their time with the incredible reach of Rival’s partners. We’re thrilled to scale our vision inside a platform already trusted by some of the most forward-thinking brands in sports and entertainment,” he offered.
The $2.8 million first funding round was raised from a network of league executives, team owners, brand CMOs, and strategic individuals. The round, which was oversubscribed, is being upsized to over $3 million with an expected close date of October 31, and will be used to expand Rival’s team, accelerate product development and extend the platform into new verticals of competition across sports, entertainment and beyond.
Image courtesy Rival
