FaZe Clan, a digital sports conglomerate, announced Monday that it intends to join the publicly traded markets in a deal that involves a merger with a so-called "special purpose acquisition company" (SPAC). ), which could put its valuation at around $1 billion.

Founded in 2010, Visa Clan has become an influencer marketing agency and e-commerce company, as well as a digital sports team, and the group has merged with one another.

The company's CEO, Lee Trink, once described her as "the Dallas Cowboys with Supreme and MTV." The high-profile digital sport is going public, and is likely to attract the attention of the retailers who have helped fuel the private takeover frenzy.

The $176 billion video game industry has mushroomed during the pandemic, though some fear sales will slow as the pandemic subsides.

Trenc is a former Hollywood entertainment director who previously worked with Kid Rock.

The company's 85 influencers, who live together in a video game complex in California, produce trending clips on social media, compete in professional video game tournaments for money and accolades, and build a loyal fan base.

Fizz has invested in this by launching an online store, displaying branded merchandise and signing advertising deals with companies such as Burger King.

The word "Plumber" (SPAC) refers to the so-called blank check companies, which are first put up for public subscription with the aim of finding a private company to merge with.

This method could be a way for small companies to go public by allowing them to bypass the traditional regulatory scrutiny that accompanies IPOs.

Viz, which did not make a profit, brought in about $38 million in revenue last year and expects to post more than $50 million this year.

“We haven't spent a lot of time thinking about a strategy for a traditional IPO,” Trenk said in an interview, noting that this deal allows the Vizz Clan to talk about future opportunities, as it prepares to announce its IPO, whereas a traditional offering does not. It provides.

Viz, which did not make a profit, brought in about $38 million in revenue last year and expects to post more than $50 million this year.

Trink said Vis will use the "Plumber" deal to double the content it offers.

He added, "This is the beginning of the continuing rise of video games, to be a feature of this cultural era."

The $176 billion video game industry has mushroomed during the pandemic, although some fear sales will slow as the pandemic subsides.

Digital sports are expected to be worth $1 billion this year.

Indeed, a team called "Digital Evil Genesis" has received an investment from the Chinese "Fossen Sports" group, raising its valuation to more than 250 million dollars.

© The New York Times Foundation 2021. Translated


by Al Arabiya, "Al Jazeera's Leadership" page.