Maksim Krippa and Esports: How an Investor Led NAVI and Maincast to Success

Author: Sokor Mykhailo | August 20, 2024

In the world of esports, significant changes do not go unnoticed. One of the key events of recent years was the acquisition of the Ukrainian esports organization Natus Vincere (NAVI) by the well-known IT sector investor Maksim Krippa. This decision not only highlighted his strategic interest in the esports industry but also marked a new era for NAVI, promising to bring fresh ideas and significant investments for further development. We tell you how Maksim Krippa is investing in esports, not just in NAVI.

The process of transferring ownership began in the fourth quarter of 2018 and was publicly announced in 2022 when NAVI was already valued at over $100 million by experts. Maksim Krippa made this move, strengthening his position as a leading player in the esports market. This deal also heralded significant infrastructural and cultural changes within the NAVI organization, opening new horizons for growth and development in this dynamically evolving sector.

After Maksim Krippa joined the company, ambitious projects for expansion and modernization of infrastructure were launched. One of the notable achievements was the opening of an academy for young players, which emphasizes NAVI's commitment not only to current successes but also to the development of future talents. The academy trains youth in professional skills in games like CS and Dota 2, preparing the next generation of esports athletes for global competition.

NAVI continues to dominate professionalism in world tournaments, strengthening its reputation as one of the best esports teams in the world. Their achievements go beyond participating in major tournaments and significantly contribute to the development of esports culture in Ukraine and beyond.

NAVI is also actively involved in social initiatives, such as fundraising for national defense needs, highlighting their contribution not only to sports but also to the country's social projects. These actions strengthen the bond between the brand and society, promoting a positive image of the company.

An important aspect of Maksim Krippa management is his focus on the cultural and social impact of NAVI. He actively supported the team's participation in charitable and socially significant projects, which not only strengthened NAVI's image as a socially responsible organization but also increased its popularity among a broader audience. This, in turn, attracted new sponsors and partners interested in associating with a positive brand.

NAVI and Maksim Krippa plan to continue expanding the esports organization's activities, including opening new educational and training centers, as well as participating in new esports disciplines. This commitment to innovation and development makes NAVI not just an esports team but an important player in the global entertainment and technology market.

The History of NAVI

Natus Vincere (NAVI), which translates from Latin as "Born to Win," was founded in 2009. The creation of this esports organization was motivated by the desire to create a leading team that could compete at an international level. NAVI quickly became one of the most recognized names in esports, especially thanks to its successes in Counter-Strike and Dota 2.

Early Successes and Global Recognition

In 2010, the NAVI Dota 2 team won The International, the first world championship in this game, making them one of the most famous esports teams in the world. That same year, the Counter-Strike 1.6 roster also showed excellent results, winning numerous international tournaments.

Over time, NAVI expanded its presence in the esports arena by including teams from various games, such as FIFA, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and many others. They not only strengthened their positions in traditional disciplines but also sought new opportunities for growth in rapidly developing esports genres.

In late 2018 and early 2019, NAVI entered a new significant phase. Maksim Krippa, already known for his successful IT investments and starting his journey in esports with Maincast, acquired a stake in NAVI. Maksim Krippa called this step an important investment decision and a key moment for NAVI. The deal was officially completed in 2022, and since then, the businessman has actively participated in the further development of the organization.

When Maksim Krippa joined the company, NAVI continued to grow, winning major tournaments and expanding its horizons by opening new areas and academies for training young talents. Maksim Krippa not only made significant financial investments but also brought a new perspective on managing and developing esports teams, which contributed to the further growth and strengthening of NAVI's international status.

When Maksim Krippa took the helm, NAVI aimed to strengthen its leadership positions in the world of esports, continuing to invest in talent development and innovative technologies. NAVI's history, from its first steps on the world stage to the present day, is a testament to success, adaptation, and the constant pursuit of victory.

Investing in Maincast - Another Project by Maksim Krippa

Maksim Krippa officially entered esports as a successful investor through his involvement in Maincast, a company specializing in esports event broadcasts. The event is indirectly related to NAVI because it was after acquiring a stake in Maincast that Maksim Krippa decided to invest in another company in this niche.

This decision was his first serious investment in the esports industry and marked the beginning of his journey as an influential player in this market. Maincast was founded in June 2018, and just two months after its founding, Maksim Krippa acquired a stake in the company, requiring significant investments of at least $800,000.

Investing in Maincast was an important milestone in Maksim Krippa investment career. The founders of Maincast, Vitalii Volochai and Andrii Hryhoriev, emphasized the need for financial support to launch the studio, and Maksim responded to this challenge. His interest in esports, backed by a successful financial investment in Maincast, laid the foundation for further investments in larger and more ambitious projects.

This experience opened the door to the subsequent acquisition of one of the most famous esports organizations in the world — Natus Vincere (NAVI). Investments in Maincast not only demonstrated Maksim Krippa ability to understand the potential of esports projects but also prepared him for larger and more significant investments. The acquisition of NAVI became the culmination of his strategy in esports, marking the beginning of a new phase in the development of both organizations.

The History of Maincast

Maincast was founded in June 2018 by a group of esports enthusiasts, including the famous commentator V1lat. They started their activities with the ambitious goal of becoming a leading esports broadcast studio. Based on the experience and reputation of the founders, Maincast quickly attracted the attention of potential investors and sponsors eager to invest in the growing esports market.

Initially, Maincast focused on producing video streams for esports competitions. The company began its activities with significant investments necessary for launching high-quality production, made possible by the support of early investors, including Maksim Krippa, who invested significant funds in the project. This allowed Maincast to quickly build up its technical base and attract top specialists in the industry.

The main sources of income for Maincast were broadcasting tournaments, merchandising, and sponsorship agreements. The company monetized its broadcasts through sponsorship, attracting large brands willing to invest from $50,000 to $100,000 per month for association with popular esports events.

Maincast quickly stood out among other esports channels thanks to high-quality broadcasts and the effective use of esports celebrities as commentators. In 2019, broadcasts of The International qualifiers hosted by Maincast accounted for 58% of all views on Twitch among similar events.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Maincast's activities, as it did on many other sectors. However, due to the migration of many audiences online, Maincast's audience quadrupled, reaching 1 million users. The company strengthened its market position by signing a deal with ESL to broadcast ESL Pro Tour tournaments in CS and Dota 2.

Maksim Krippa contribution to the development of Maincast cannot be underestimated. Thanks to his early investments and support, the company not only survived its first years but also significantly expanded its operations, becoming a leader in Ukrainian-language esports broadcasts and entering the ranks of market leaders.

Maincast continues to strive for innovation in esports event broadcasts, planning to expand its influence into new regions and platforms. Maksim Krippa support and strategic leadership remain key factors in the company's steady growth and success.

Maksim Krippa and Esports

Investments in Maincast and the subsequent acquisition of NAVI demonstrate Maksim Krippa strategic approach to investing in esports. Maincast provided the necessary experience in the esports media sector, while NAVI offered a platform for deeper immersion in esports team management and organizational development. These steps strengthened his position as a leading investor and had a noticeable impact on the growth and success of both companies on the global esports stage.

Maksim Krippa investments in esports had a significant impact on the development and success of his assets in this field. The impact of these investments can be assessed through various aspects of NAVI's activities and achievements, which under his leadership have grown into one of the leading global esports teams.

After Maksim Krippa joined the company, NAVI secured a strong position on the global esports stage. One of the landmark moments was the team's victory at the world championship in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which not only confirmed the team's high level of play but also strengthened their status as one of the leading teams in the world. This success underscores Maksim Krippa strategic acumen in selecting and supporting top teams and players.

NAVI also actively engages with the community and participates in charity projects. An example of this is the significant funds raised to support the Azov National Guard during one of the esports matches. This not only supports important social initiatives but also shows NAVI's and its leadership's readiness to contribute to public life and support national defense.

The significant impact of Maksim Krippa investments is also evident in the development of NAVI's infrastructure. The opening of an academy for young players is a key step in preparing the next generation of esports athletes. This not only strengthens the talent base for future competitions but also contributes to the development of esports as a professional discipline.

Investments in esports and IT have significantly expanded the structure and scale of the companies in which Maksim Krippa has invested. This expansion not only increased their market presence but also enhanced their influence in the esports industry. Thanks to strategic and well-thought-out investments, companies under Krippa leadership continue to demonstrate growth and innovation, strengthening their positions in the global market.