Fnatic targets Japanese expansion following $17m investment
UK-based esports firm has raised more than $44m to date, will open office in Japan
Fnatic has completed a new funding round, raising $17 million towards its continued expansion into other markets.
The round was led by Japan-based Marubeni Corporation, which has also formed a strategic partnership with the esports brand to help it establish an office in Japan and guide its efforts in the Asia-Pacific esports market.
Fnatic also revealed that its Rainbow Six Siege team plans to relocate to Japan.
The Japanese esports market is currently in a phase of growth, according to Fnatic, with more than 6.9 million people attending esports events last year.
The UK firm also cites Newzoo projections on the global esports market, expected to reach an audience of 474 million people this year, with 92.8 million in China alone -- underlining Fnatic's to build its presence in the East.
The investment follows the organisation's crowdfunding campaign of over £2 million -- double its goal of £1 million -- in December last year.
This followed hot on the heels of another $10 million funding round. To date, Fnatic has raised more than $44 million.