Startup Fundraising

Sorare Raises Growth Capital from Key Investors

Sorare lands new funding from Accel, Benchmark, Kibo Ventures, and Partech, signaling a strong comeback and focus on profitability.

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Alvaro de la Maza

Partner at Aninver

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Key Takeaways

  • Sorare raised a new round (Growth) from Accel, Benchmark, Kibo Ventures Partners, Partech.
  • Sector: Technology, Software & Gaming.
  • Geography: France.

Analysis

In a significant move signaling renewed confidence, Sorare, the French digital collectibles and fantasy sports platform, has successfully closed a new funding round. The capital infusion comes from its established investor base, including prominent venture capital firms such as Accel, Benchmark, Kibo Ventures, and Partech. This strategic financial maneuver aims to bolster the company's treasury and support its ambitious growth initiatives following a period of recalibration.

While the precise sum remains undisclosed, Sorare CEO Nicolas Julia confirmed the round to be an "eight-figure" injection, translating to tens of millions of euros. Julia also indicated that this initial tranche is the first of a two-part funding effort, with further capital expected in the coming months. Notably, both Julia and co-founder Adrien Montfort participated in this round, underscoring their long-term commitment to the company's future trajectory.

This development arrives as the digital collectibles market, particularly within the gaming sector, navigates evolving investor sentiment. Following a period of intense growth and high valuations in the post-pandemic era, exemplified by Sorare's own substantial $680 million Series B in 2021 that valued the company at $4.3 billion, the industry has seen a more cautious approach to capital deployment. Sorare itself underwent internal restructuring, including a workforce reduction in late 2025, to align with market realities and focus on sustainable profitability.

The company's pivot towards profitability, now anticipated within the current year, appears to be gaining traction. A key driver of this resurgence is the successful launch of its free-to-play game mode, "Arcade," introduced in January 2026. This initiative has exceeded initial expectations, prompting Sorare to increase its investment in the product. "Arcade" is projected to generate between €15 million and €20 million in net revenue for 2026, representing a significant contribution to the company's financial turnaround.

Sorare reported an impressive 85% year-over-year growth in activity for the first half of 2026, a stark contrast to the 17% growth seen in the latter half of 2025. This accelerated momentum is partly attributed to the catalytic effect of major sporting events, such as the recent World Cup. The company is now setting its sights on further expansion with the upcoming launch of "Snatch," a new product designed for an even broader audience, with the potential to reach tens of millions of users. Initial testing in several markets is complete, with a French launch imminent.

With over 3 million registered users, including 1 million acquired in the past 18 months, and partnerships with major sports leagues like the NBA, MLS, Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga, Sorare is strategically positioning itself for continued expansion. The company's focus on diversifying its product offerings and capitalizing on its established user base and strong brand recognition within the sports and gaming ecosystem suggests a robust strategy for navigating the competitive digital collectibles arena.