Fantasy Life, a leading company in fantasy sports and gaming, has successfully closed a $7 million seed funding round to support the launch of its innovative new platform and the acquisition of Guillotine Leagues. The investment, announced on July 7, 2025, features contributions from notable figures across sports, media, and business, including Tony Khan, President and CEO of AEW and owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham Football Club. This infusion of capital will drive Fantasy Life’s efforts to enhance the user experience and expand its reach in the competitive fantasy sports market.
Overview of Investors Driving Fantasy Life’s Growth
The seed round was led by LRMR Ventures and SC Holdings, with Jason Stein at the helm. It attracted a high-profile group of investors whose combined expertise spans multiple industries and sports franchises. Among them are LeBron James and Maverick Carter through LRMR Ventures, Roger Ehrenberg—the co-owner of the Miami Marlins and founder of Eberg Capital LLC—and David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, which holds stakes in several major sports teams across North America and internationally.
Other significant backers include Gerry Cardinale and Jeff Shell from RedBird Capital Partners, Chad Hurley, co-founder of YouTube, as well as Wasserman Ventures. Adding to the diversity of this group is SUM Ventures, founded by Garrett Gilbertson and including NFL stars George Kittle and Brent Celek, along with Legend John Legend, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., former NFL player, and Donald Mustard, co-creator of Fortnite.
Fantasy Life’s Success and Strategic Position in Fantasy Sports
Since its launch in 2022, Fantasy Life has experienced exceptional growth, reporting a revenue increase of 737%, with a notable 230% rise in the first half of 2025 alone. The company serves millions of users and is the official tools partner for NBC Sports, integrating premium content and expert insights into its offerings. Matthew Berry, the founder and renowned fantasy football analyst featured on NBC Sports and Peacock’s Fantasy Football Happy Hour, has been instrumental in shaping the platform.
“My entire adult life has been about helping fantasy players and sports gamers win, have more fun, and make this industry better,”
said Berry.
“Fantasy Life is the culmination of my decades of experience — a destination for every kind of player, from beginner to sharp. With smart, personalized tools, entertaining content, and the best damn fantasy game ever in Guillotine Leagues, we’re building a platform as obsessed with fantasy as we are. I’m incredibly honored that so many people I’ve long admired believe in what we’re doing and want to be part of the journey. I can’t wait for everyone to check out the new features and win more titles.”
— Matthew Berry, Founder of Fantasy Life
Leading Investors Share Perspectives on Fantasy Life’s Vision
Maverick Carter, CEO of LRMR Ventures, emphasized the strategic fit and growth potential within the fantasy sports sector. He praised the company’s innovative approach and strong brand presence, signaling confidence in its future impact.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to invest in smart, creative people and businesses that share our values. What Matthew, Eliot and the team are building with Fantasy Life hits on everything we look for,”
Carter stated.
“Their strong brand, incredible growth and the market size of sports gaming make for a compelling opportunity. As an avid fantasy football and Guillotine League player myself, this is a tech-forward play that we believe will be a game changer for fantasy sports and we’re proud to co-lead this round with our partners at SC Holdings.”
— Maverick Carter, CEO of LRMR Ventures
Enhancements to Guillotine Leagues and Platform Innovation
At the core of Fantasy Life’s evolution is a redesigned version of Guillotine Leagues, a dynamic, high-stakes weekly survival fantasy football format. The updated app, now available on iOS with Android coming this summer, delivers improved performance, scalability, and user engagement. Integrated Fantasy Life content and premium tools aim to provide personalized experiences that cater to a wide range of players.
“This next chapter of Fantasy Life is about delivering a truly player-first experience. That starts with Guillotine Leagues – a bold, survivor-style game that is fantasy for the fearless,”
said Eliot Crist, CEO of Fantasy Life.
“We’re excited to elevate the format for fantasy players who crave intensity and innovation.”
— Eliot Crist, CEO of Fantasy Life
Launching FantasyHQ™: A Revolutionary Hub for Fantasy Gamers
In addition to Guillotine Leagues’ refresh, Fantasy Life is introducing FantasyHQ™, sponsored by Mike’s Hard Lemonade. This platform serves as a central hub offering daily player insights, real-time data, and tailored league tools. Key functionalities include syncing leagues from different providers, personalized advice for trades and roster decisions, and a comprehensive fantasy scoreboard designed to enhance the gameday viewing experience.
The FantasyHQ™ features enable users to consolidate all their fantasy football activity in one place, simplifying management and increasing engagement through a seamless second-screen experience.
A Promising Future for Fantasy Life and the Fantasy Sports Industry
With its latest funding and strategic enhancements, Fantasy Life is poised to solidify its position as a leading destination for fantasy sports enthusiasts. The involvement of influential investors like Tony Khan and others signals strong confidence in the company’s vision and potential to disrupt the market. As Fantasy Life rolls out its new platform and Guillotine Leagues upgrades, the company is setting a new standard for innovation and user engagement in the industry.
These developments reflect broader trends in sports gaming, where technology and personalized content are critical drivers of growth. Fantasy Life’s momentum suggests it will remain at the forefront of this expanding market, continually delivering fresh experiences and tools for fans worldwide.
