Pitching competition for Esports and video game startups announces return date

London based Esports Insider (ESI) has announced that The Clutch will be returning this year and will be presented by HSBC UK and EXCEL ESPORTS.

The Clutch is ESI’s live pitch competition which, this year, will see startups in the Esports, video games and creator economy spaces compete live at ESI London on October 19 with the winners walking away with £3,000 cash.

Additional prizes will be provided by HSBC UK & EXCEL ESPORTS, Official Incubator Partner the University of Warwick’s Creative Futures and the Official Community Marketing Partner Socially.

A panel of four judges have been selected by Esports Insider and will bring their combined expertise and insight into investments, business development, esports, video games and the creator economy in order to determine the winner of this edition of The Clutch.

• Will Turner: Head of strategic growth, partnership & innovation, HSBC UK
• Kartik Arya: Co-head, HSBC Kinetic
• Mark Carter: Commercial director, EXCEL ESPORTS.

HSBC UK and EXCEL ESPORTS will provide additional support to The Clutch winner, providing them with access to develop their business and open a world of opportunity through HSBC’s global network.

Alongside access to marketing workshops and brand building in the esports and gaming sectors with EXCEL ESPORTS specialised teams, the winner will also be granted usage of EXCEL’s London and Berlin offices.

Kartik Arya, co-head, HSBC Kinetic, commented: “We’re pleased to partner with ESI for The Clutch. This partnership presents a great opportunity to showcase how ambitious businesses of all sizes can open up a world of opportunity with HSBC UK’s expert advice and insight.

“At HSBC UK, we’re supporting esports, video games and creator businesses everyday with HSBC Kinetic, our app-based business account. Kinetic was designed to make business banking simpler and faster, and can help forward-thinking startups and small businesses work smarter. I’m very much looking forward to seeing this year’s innovative ideas.”

Mark Carter, commercial director, EXCEL ESPORTS, added: “Excel’s involvement gives the participants a unique chance to gain esports expertise from those who live and breathe it daily while getting an understanding of what it takes to scale up a business within the esports space.

“The competition offers a great chance for young businesses to showcase their creativity and innovation, and we’re looking forward to seeing what this year’s contestants have to offer.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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