Immortal Game does a winning move, raises $15.5 million to build online chess experience

With 800 million players worldwide, chess has never been more popular. New technology platforms have introduced the ‘game of kings’ to an entirely new generation and secured its place in pop culture from Netflix’s “Queen’s Gambit” to the growth of chess influencers on streaming platforms.

Enter Immortal Game. The Paris-based platform aims to elevate the gaming experience for online chess players around the world, who currently play over 20 million games daily, by leveraging web3 and next-generation digital assets.

Founded in 2021 by Thomas Zaepffel, David Cingala and Geoffroy Mestrallet, Immortal Game has been created in collaboration with, and for, the dedicated chess community powered by blockchain. The company is now launching a web3 chess platform and marketplace and has brought in $12 million in a Series A round to do so.

The gaming startup will use the funding to accelerate the momentum of its product and expand into key markets, including the U.S., Europe and India.

Led by TCG crypto, the round includes several other leading tech and entertainment VC specialists such as Cassius, Greenfield One, Sparkle Ventures (supported by the Sandbox Founders and Animoca Brands) Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman’s 35V, Blockwall, Kraken Ventures, and Spice Capital.

Players can participate in live games, league tournaments and a robust set of learning tools and products. The 50 Grand Masters who serve as Immortal Game ambassadors will also be involved and regularly accessible on the platform. Players also have the option to monetise their time, participation in the game and skill development through a ‘play and earn’ platform, NFTs with chess utilities and distinct playing styles, and a marketplace with live auctions and instant buy.

The company had raised $3.5 million in seed funding earlier in the year. Immortal Game has also partnered with Immutable X, a layer 2 gaming protocol, to bring their game onto public blockchain, Ethereum.

Thomas Zaepffel, CEO at Immortal Game said: “An inflection point in the adoption of blockchain technology for consumer gaming has been reached. Chess is a centuries old game that benefits from this technology, preserving its heritage while attracting a new group of players. We are excited for the support of 50 Grand Masters as we continue to broaden the reach of this incredible game.”