On April 29, 2025, Fanstake, Inc., the first fan-powered NIL marketplace and engagement platform, announced its $6.25 million Series Seed financing. The round was led by Courtside, with participation from Susa Ventures, Will Ventures, Scrum Ventures, Myriad Ventures, Alumni Ventures and others. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Fanstake on the transaction.

Fanstake allows college sports fans to pledge money to recruit or retain athletes for their favorite teams—but only paying if the athlete commits to their team. As a fully transparent, gamified platform, Fanstake is directly allowing fans to influence the recruiting strategies of their alma maters and programs of choice.

The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Fanstake on the transaction includes Lang Liu, Alex Youssef, Gloria Liang, and Partha Vora.

For more information please see Courtside Ventures’ news update.