Makers Fund

When the live game-show HQ debuted in 2017 it was an instant hit with millions of users signing on concurrently to take a chance at winning in trivia. Although the company did not ultimately survive, the success of a new form of interactive entertainment did not go unnoticed. This NYC startup takes it a step further by focusing on the intersection of gaming, streaming, game shows, and broadcasting. Genvid is a technology infrastructure provider and now publisher focused on what the company calls massive interactive live events (MILEs). The company initially focused on building infrastructure tools for interactive streaming but saw there was a significant opportunity on the publishing side. For its first experience, it partnered up with Pipeworks Studios for Rival Peak, a 24/7 interactive reality show with AI characters participating in an elimination-style competition that was broadcasted on Facebook. Following the popularity of this new format, the company is now planning on building more MILEs both internally and with licensed IP owners as partners. Genvid will also continue to provide the infrastructure tools through its SDK for others to build their own MILEs.
AlleyWatch caught up with Cofounder and CEO Jacob Navok to learn more about the inspiration for the business, how the company has created a new category of entertainment, strategic plans, and latest round of funding from investors that include Valor Equity Partners, Atreides Management, Galaxy Interactive, Horizons Ventures, OCA Ventures, and Makers Fund, Valor, Atreides, Third Point, Cobalt Capital, LightShed Ventures, XN, and Lux Capital.