Startup B2B parimutuel betting platform Sparket has secured a strategic investment from former NBA champion Metta Sandiford-Artest, also known as Metta World Peace.
The startup is aiming to distribute its games to operators and seeks strategic input on the direction and connections to gain commercial traction.
Partnering with Metta World Peace’s firm Artest Management Group, the former NBA star will help forge those connections between the B2B startup to expand its pipeline of clients.
Firstly, the firm will help make connections with sports firms from Metta’s network of business connections made from his time in and out of the basketball court. This includes making an introduction to the LA Lakers, Metta World Peace’s former team.
Sparket aims to help partners in three key ways: expanding the user base, engaging users in unique ways and driving revenue for partners. This is done by integrating its games onto their platforms either directly into the platforms, websites or apps, or as a standalone white-label solution.
Evan Fisher, Co-Founder and COO at Sparket, stated: “Beyond the obvious strategic value that Metta himself brings, we’ve had access to Metta’s AMG Board of Directors. Most notably, we have benefited from the opportunity to work with former Boost Mobile CEO and FreedomPop Founder Stephen Stokols, who is an AMG Director and has experience scaling and operating companies to billion-dollar valuations.”
Still in its infancy, Sparket has already secured a number of clients including sports leagues such as Premier Lacrosse and the World Jai Alai League and operators such as Red Rock Resorts.
The firm seeks investment and partnership to gain new connections, gain new clients and drive growth and revenue.
“We’re excited to help build The Social Betwork,” said Metta World Peace. “The Sparket team has an amazing vision for democratizing live event wagering and with AMG’s support I think we can bring this company to great heights.”
