PandaScore raises €5m backed by FDJ enterprise fund

Real-time esports data and AI-powered statistics provider PandaScore has successfully completed a €5 million funding round, driving its next stage of enterprise growth. 

The funding round was led by Française des Jeux (FDJ) venture capital fund ‘V13 Invest’, which backed the young Paris start-up’s objectives to bolster its product portfolio delivering new data-led innovations for all wagering stakeholders including bookmakers, traders, platform providers, risk management, and marketing. 

PandaScore was founded in 2015 by product design and gamification expert Flavien Guillocheau, who sought to optimise esports odds and match-feeds through real-time AI-powered APIs.

“Providing game-changing data for bookmakers is our way to fuel the growth of esports,” said Guillocheau. “When bookmakers can offer great esports betting it also helps in raising sponsorships for teams and tournaments.”

During 2020, PandaScore has significantly bolstered its commercial capacity by securing new betting clients such as LeoVegas AB’s challenger brand Pixelbet and tier-1 LATAM sportsbook BetCris.

Beyond betting, PandaScore data has powered esports fantasy sports operator Sleeper and ‘all-in-one’ esports results app Strafe.  

Participating in the funding round, Olivier Martret, Principal at Paris-based VC fund Serena, backed PandaScore’s proven credentials and growth plans.

He stated: “With FDJ, we are convinced that Pandascore’s tech is a key asset for bookmakers, enabling them to gain new market shares and more efficient and reliable services.”

PandaScore intends to use its new funding to expand its teams in Paris and Malta, in addition to optimising its coverage of new esports titles.