A digital platform which allows aspiring eSports professionals to assess, track and improve their performance has raised £150,000 in pre-seed funding.
SwiftSkill was founded by Anil Kumar Peri of Cranfield University and Shankha Subhra Dutta from Lancaster University because of the lack of advice available to aspiring eSports players.
Being closely connected to the eSports sector in India, where they first met at the Birla Institute of Technology, Peri and Dutta recognised that gamers from different regions may not have the same opportunity to enter into eSports.
Those not part of an established team, with dedicated coaches and analysts to improve player performance, can often struggle to build a successful profile in the sector.
SwiftSkill works by providing a digital analysis tool that gives player’s an insight into their performance. The platform analyses data from matches, providing insight, heat maps and a breakdown of their performance. Players can then identify trends and skills to succeed in future matches.
PC FPS Valorant
PC first-person shooter Valorant (pictured) is the first title available through SwiftSkill.
The funding round comes from Jenson Funding Partners and will allow the business to provide its service to additional eSports game titles, including Counterstrike.
“Every gamer plays differently and there can’t be a one-size-fits-all training for those eager to become eSports professionals,” said Peri.
“At SwiftSkill, we’re giving aspiring professional gamers the insight they need to play better.
“Valorant is just the start for us and we are eager to expand our service to other popular eSports titles and across other genres. The funding from Jenson will provide the team and skillset needed to address the unique metrics that each esports title provides, allowing us to service the eSports champions of tomorrow.”
Jeffrey Faustin, CIO of Jenson Funding Partners, said: “The gaming sector has consistently grown in recent years and the pandemic escalated the lucrative investment opportunities present in the industry.
“eSports presents a huge opportunity and innovative businesses such as SwiftSkill are driving the growth of the industry. SwiftSkill creates an opportunity for aspiring gamers to become professionals, honing their skills in the same way that traditional athletes compete.”
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