Esports and influencer-focused data-driven payments platform Edge, has secured $1.5M USD in a funding round.

Blake Picquiet, co-owner of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, led the investment round, which also attracted participation from Green Egg Ventures, Game Tech Partners, and Robert Reeg, former President of Mastercard Global Technologies.

London-based Edge uses blockchain-based smart contracts to automate the entire payment process, including contracting, payments, data tracking, management and analysis, and KYC and identity verification.

The solution integrates directly with games including Rainbow Six Siege, Overwatch, Call of Duty, CS:GO, DOTA2, League of Legends, and Fortnite, along with social platforms, including Instagram, Twitch, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, and Discord.  

The company says it will use the new capital to improve marketing and business development, and further develop its technology – including its new Edge Sandbox, designed to enable smart contracts to be created easily and quickly. 

Discussing the news co-founder and CEO of Edge, Adam Whyte, said:

“When we started Edge we were very focused on the value of smart contracts for both businesses and the individual. The esports and video games industry is young and fast-paced, and unfortunately certain processes and regulations often fall by the wayside.

“Our ambition initially was to create something that would make the industry safer, and over time we’ve found our Edge technology has multiple purposes. We see huge value in connecting data, contracts and payments. If you’re running an influencer campaign and the required content isn’t posted, the contract isn’t fulfilled and payment won’t be made. We can monitor in-game and social performance and only pay when content is delivered. It’s as simple as that.”

While lead investor Picquet added:

“We invested in Edge because we believe in their vision. Using data to power and automate business makes sense in a global economy that is increasingly measured in reach, clicks, likes and engagements.

“We love the intersection of sports, tech, and media investments. Edge is enabling the growth of the influencer, streaming, and gaming industries by providing a purpose-built solution. Edge uses new world solutions for new world industries. 

“Their executive team couldn’t be better assembled to tackle this complicated problem with a simple solution. We are excited to give Edge lift-off internationally and look forward to supporting their growth in the US initially.”

AYO.NEWS says:

Even for the most experienced, the complexities of handling payment processes and remaining compliant can be tedious, time-consuming, and frustrating, so smart contract-based platforms like Edge offer a fantastic solution, and it’s great to see the company get the backing it deserves. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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