Irish esports organisation WYLDE has announced that Enterprise Ireland, the country’s enterprise development agency, has become an investor in the company.
The 2023 financing round, which is still currently open, will see Enterprise Ireland become a shareholder in WYLDE after previously working with the organisation as a partner.
WYLDE is an Irish esports organisation perhaps most known for being co-owned by one of the most prominent runners of all time, Usain Bolt. The organisation was founded in 2021, and has since grown steadily. WYLDE now has teams in Trackmania, Rainbow Six: Siege, VALORANT and Rocket League, along with a roster of content creators.
According to the organisation’s LinkedIn post, the investment round makes WYLDE one of the very few esports brands that has secured a state investment partner. The organisation did not disclose the financial details of the deal, but did share that it is still open for talks with other potential investors from Ireland before year’s end.
Enterprise Ireland’s aim is to support the growth of Irish companies through investment, grants and other means. The organisation supports companies at all levels, organising educational events and providing support for growth and scaling.
WYLDE has previously made headlines by partnering with several high-profile brands, including the likes of Virgin Media and PUMA, a sportswear brand with close ties to Usain Bolt. WYLDE has also worked with Belfast Metropolitan College to create the first esports degree in Northern Ireland, and launched a summer esports camp for girls in 2023.
WYLDE Co-founder and CEO Steve Daly commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have the support of the Irish Government as we build WYLDE. The esports scene is growing rapidly in Ireland and internationally. WYLDE is committed to building a leading European esports Club and to job creation on the island of Ireland.”
