YouStake

YouStake is a crowdfunding and sponsorship marketplace that enables fans to invest in skilled game players participating in live events like eSports and poker tournaments. Founded in 2013 by Frank DeGeorge, Scott Hansbury, William Beam, and Jamie Gold, the company aimed to create a transparent and secure platform for player staking, a common but previously informal practice. Frank DeGeorge, a military veteran with a background in finance and gaming, serves as the CEO.

The platform addresses historical issues in player staking, such as lack of access, transparency, and security that often led to disputes. YouStake provides an end-to-end solution that manages contracts, payment processing, and the distribution of winnings, allowing players to focus on their performance and fans to engage more deeply. The business model involves charging a 5-10% transaction fee on purchases from backers and a listing fee for players. The company also generates revenue through SaaS solutions, including API and white-label products for event organizers and other businesses.

Initially focused on poker, YouStake has expanded to include eSports and plans to enter other markets requiring upfront capital, such as golf, tennis, and MMA. In 2016, the company was accepted into the 500 Startups accelerator program, securing a $125,000 investment. A significant milestone occurred in late 2017 when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dropped a year-and-a-half-long investigation into whether the platform's offerings constituted securities, allowing the company to resume full operations.

Keywords: player crowdfunding, sports staking, eSports investment, poker staking, fan engagement platform, athlete sponsorship, tournament financing, peer-to-peer sports investment, skilled games marketplace, sports finance, athlete crowdfunding, event registration portal