TON-based fan engagement platformFanzee has raised $2 million to evolve its sports fan ecosystem. The funds will help the startup forge closer ties between sports clubs and fans through a series of novel programs that foster memorable experiences. This in turn will help to establish Fanzee as the industry’s preeminent sports fan engagement platform.

A string of blockchain investors participated in the private round, as well as several notable angel investors. TONcoin.fund, a $250 million fund that invests in teams building on the TON ecosystem, led the round alongside venture studio First Stage Labs. Other investors include MEXC Pioneer, KuCoin Ventures, Huobi Incubator, vlg.digital, 3Commas, Orbs.com, and Hexit.capital, a part of Swiss-based Hemma Group.

Utilizing blockchain innovations such as tokenization, Fanzee helps sports clubs strengthen ties with fans and increase revenue. Through mediums such as quizzes, games, and puzzles, Fanzee gamifies loyalty programs while unlocking new revenue streams. It also guides clubs through the digitization process, helping them add new products and services that add value and strengthen fan participation.

“It is an honor to be backed by some of the brightest minds in the web3 movement as we build on the TON ecosystem which will provide immense value to millions of sports fans through utility-based digital assets,” said Fanzee CEOAjay Jojo.

Jojo added, “We are thrilled to begin the next chapter in our journey to reimagine fan engagement in sports and entertainment. It is an exciting time to be at the forefront of innovation in the intersection of sports and blockchain technology where our values of being product-and fan-first will shine through.”

“We truly believe that Fanzee could be a game changer for sports organizations as their focus is to help bring sports fans to the forefront of the game and engage with them in a way that has just not been possible before,” said Mark Chadwick, head of Diligence at TONcoin.fund. “Some supporters are lucky enough to follow their club home and away throughout the season. But for many, that is simply not possible due to geographic or financial constraints. Fanzee’s platform, with its gamification mechanics, will generate true value for sports organizations and their fans.”

Fanzee employs several advanced gamification mechanics that tap into blockchain technology. These include digital collectibles, rewards-based quizzes, fantasy management games, Fanz Leaderboard (club and global), club tokens, and NFT tickets.