Thropic Games raises pre-seed round led by The Famous Group

What's the deal? Thropic Games, which makes casual mobile games tied to fan fundraising for sports programs, has raised a pre-seed round led by The Famous GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. The size was not disclosed. Strategic angel investors from gaming, fundraising, and sports also joined.

How it works: Fans play Thropic's games for free and can optionally donate to their program for a chance to win prizes. Its games are already in use with Colorado, Syracuse, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, the College Basketball Crown tournament, St. Jude, and NBCUniversal.

What's the endgame? The Famous Group's Vixi stadium technology will integrate with Thropic's games, linking fans at venues with those watching from home. Vixi is deployed in more than 500 venues across 15 countries.

Why now? Thropic is expanding through a national partnership with TheLinkU, reaching programs including Arkansas, Cal, Houston, Boise State, and Florida International.

"Our investment in Thropic Games reflects our belief that fan engagement and fundraising can work hand in hand," says Jon Slusser, chief executive officer of The Famous Group. He added it was "a perfect fit with what we do, and that's why we led this round."

The signal: The deal ties fan engagement to fundraising, betting that casual gaming can turn passive supporters into donors for the programs they follow.

Read more: Sports Video Group

Image credit: Generated with Gemini