ABOUT

The Clutch was born at ESI London 2019 and is a live pitch investment competition founded with the aim of helping esports-related start-up companies in need of funding and/or mentorship. For 2023 onwards, we are expanding the remit of The Clutch into the wider video games and adjacent creator economy spaces, to best serve the future of esports and gaming.

Over 60 companies have applied to The Clutch so far, and amongst the winners and losers, there have been many standout companies. In 2022, we introduced our first prize pool of $25,000 courtesy of Overwolf, as well as partnerships with the likes of Bird & Bird, Wembley Park & more!

The Clutch, a live pitch competition for start ups in esports, video games & the adjacent creator economy.

THE CLUTCH 2023

After an incredible The Clutch @ ESI London and ESI Singapore in 2022, where Mouseskins and E1 Championship were crowned winners, The Clutch will be back with another bang in 2023 at ESI London 2023 on the 19-20th October. This years edition will presented by HSBC UK & EXCEL ESPORTS, providing their insight into business development as well as the esports, video games and the creator economy industries to help select a winner as well as providing them with the support to grow their business.

The winner will walk away with £3000 cash, the coveted trophy for The Clutch winner as well as invaluable business support from The Clutch sector partners.

Applications for 2023 are now open, please submit your application here by October 2nd to be considered for the final shortlist.

We’re busy working behind the scenes with our partners to help build the future of esports & video games (and the adjacent creator economy) with more prize-pools, mentorship opportunities and real business connections. Stay tuned for further announcements.

THE CLUTCH PARTNERS

Headline Partner

Sector Partner

PAST WINNERS

MOUSESKINS

2022 | ESI London

An independent peripherals brand created to offer a tailored service to all players seeking to define their mice and stand out from the crowd.

Visit Website

E1 CHAMPIONSHIP

2022 | ESI Singapore

The premier SEA sim-racing championship, focussing on making motorsports accessible for all.

Visit Website

TEAMS.GG

2020 | ESI Digital Summit

A social network focused on helping players find teammates to queue with, both casually and competitively.

Visit Website

ANZU

2020 | ESI Digital Summer

An up and coming firm offering sophisticated and seamless in-game advertising.

Visit Website

G-SCIENCE

2019 | ESI London

A provider of market leading sports science and data analytics to develop healthier, happier and more successful gamers.

Visit Website

ITERO GAMING

2021 | ESI Digital Summer

A revolutionary data analysis tool designed to give pro teams and the average player the edge at a very early stage of development.

Visit Website

THE CLUTCH JUDGES

The Clutch Judges have been selected to use their expertise in business development as well as insight into the esports, video games and the creator economy to listen to the short-listed pitches from the finalist, ask the necessary questions and decide who will win The Clutch.

Kartik Arya
Kartik Arya
Co-Head
HSBC Kinetic
Will Turner
Will Turner
Head of Strategic Growth, Partnership & Innovation
HSBC UK
Mark Carter
Mark Carter
Commercial Director
EXCEL ESPORTS
Lisa Hau
Lisa Hau
COO
Bidstack

THE CLUTCH ADVISORY BOARD

The Clutch Advisory Board is a handpicked collective of esteemed individuals, from investors to sector / industry specialists, who will be on hand to offer their expertise and insight to those start ups who come through the ranks of The Clutch.

Spike Laurie
Spike Laurie
Venture Director
Hiro Capital
Marco Blume
Marco Blume
Board Member / angel investor
Skybox
Joanie Kraut
Joanie Kraut
CEO
Women in Games International
Joey Brander
Joey Brander
President/Managing Partner
First Serve Partners
Vincent Vercelli
Vincent Vercelli
Head of Incubation
Level 256
Dan Bravato
Dan Bravato
President
SeventySix Capital
Shahar​ ​Sorek
Shahar​ ​Sorek
Chief Marketing Officer
Overwolf
Kesem Fine
Kesem Fine
Business Development Manager
Overwolf
Kirsty Endfield
Kirsty Endfield
Founder & Director
Swipe Right PR

PREVIOUS PARTNERS

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

If you’ve any questions about involving your brand in The Clutch, or any ideas or opportunities to discuss please reach out via [email protected], or directly to any team members.

You can also see the sponsorship and partnership deck and options here.