Drake and Scooter Braun join Nadeshot’s 100 Thieves as Co-Owners

Rap superstar Drake has officially joined esports organization 100 Thieves as a co-owner, along with entrepreneur Scooter Braun, announced on October 23.

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Hints at a possible collaboration between 100 Thieves and Drake first came when the star followed the organization on Instagram, as well as their founder, former Call of Duty professional Nadeshot.

100 Thieves received a multi-million dollar investment from Dan Gilbert, owner of Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans, in late 2017, allowing them to move into the NA LCS.

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On Tuesday, October 23, the organization announced it had completed its Series A funding round, with SB Projects founder Scooter Braun, and of course Drake, becoming co-owners.

Scooter Braun represents some of the biggest musical artists in the world, including Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, and will join the organization’s board.

Forbes claims that along with the 2017 investment, 100 Thieves now has a total of $25 million in funding.

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Of Nadeshot’s ambition specifically, Braun said “He has a clear vision for where esports is going and how to build an amazing brand within it, and that’s why I wanted to bet on him and 100 Thieves.”

And Nadeshot repaid the compliment, saying of Braun, “He’s really defined pop culture with the clients that he’s worked with and helped their careers over the last decade, and for us, it’s just unbelievable to be able to tap into that wisdom and that knowledge.”

Nadeshot competing with OpTic Gaming in 2015. Image: Red Bull

Nadeshot, real name Matthew Haag, started his long journey in esports with Call of Duty, over ten years ago. After becoming the best known player, he retired in 2015, becoming a full time YouTuber.

• More: Nadeshot unveils first female streamer for 100 Thieves brand

However, his passion for competition remained, so in 2016 he set up the 100 Thieves organization, stepping back into Call of Duty briefly, while also releasing a clothing line.

After an unsuccessful start with the Call of Duty roster, 100 Thieves turned attention to apparel solely, which remains a key pillar of the brand.

Nadeshot with newly recruited streamer, Valkyrae.

Drake’s involvement with the organization is possibly linked to the apparel arm, as he also has his own OVO clothing brand.

Former Call of Duty caster and head of YouTube gaming Ryan ‘Fwiz’ Wyatt congratulated his long time friend on realizing his long time dream.

Popular streamer Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins, also a former competitive esports player, congratulated Nadeshot. Ninja streamed Fortnite with Drake on Twitch in March 2018, which for many was Drake’s first introduction to the gaming world.

OpTic Gaming owner, Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez, who Nadeshot credits with believing in him during his time as a player for OpTic Gaming, also voiced his pride at seeing his “young brother” succeed.

Now fielding teams in League of Legends, Clash Royale, Call of Duty and Fortnite, as well as a number of popular content creators, the 100 Thieves is expansion is rapid and shows no signs of slowing down.

They are now looking to recruit a further ten people to their ‘content team’, and more professional players and streaming talent.

The expansion will move “beyond esports” too, with other participants in the round of funding including Sequoia Capital, WondrCo, Marc Benioff, Drew Houston, Green Bay Ventures, Tao Capital and Willoughby Capital.

H/T: 100 Thieves