Skillz Inc., symbolized on the stock exchange as SKLZ, is a leading platform for mobile games. Founded in 2012 by Andrew Paradise and Casey Chafkin, Skillz is a company that harnesses the power of games to connect people, regardless of their background or location. The company's platform not only enables content creators to develop and monetize their games but also provides the world's billions of mobile game players with an opportunity to compete in personalized contests, hence putting the 'e' into eSports.
Upon launching, the founders envisioned a world where mobile games are a meritocracy where everyone, not just the upper echelons of the gaming world, could find success. This vision led to the creation of a platform that allows game developers to grow their user base while monetizing their games through in-game competitions. The platform enables game developers to integrate a competitive element into games of skill, leveraging patented and secure technologies to provide a fair environment for all players.
Based in San Francisco, California, Skillz hosts billions of casual eSports tournaments for 30+ million mobile players worldwide and distributes millions in prizes each month. With the platform, gamers can compete for prizes in games like Solitaire Cube, Pool Payday, and Blackout Bingo. These competitions have been designed to exclude the element of chance, ensuring a level playing field.
Skillz has repeatedly been recognized for its innovation, disruption, and potential for rampant growth. It was named to Forbes’ Next Billion-Dollar Startups list, Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies List, and Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies list, amongst other accolades. In December 2020, Skillz went public via a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) merger, and it now trades on the New York Stock Exchange.
Skillz Inc. remains committed to strategically growing the mobile gaming industry and redefining the future of entertainment by creating an outlet for players to showcase their skills in gaming contests. Additionally, Skillz is dedicated to making gaming more fun for players while making game creation more lucrative for developers. It’s this commitment that has seen Skillz establish itself as a formidable force in the mobile gaming industry. Through Skillz, developers no longer have to rely on advertising to generate income; they can monetize interactions, making the playing field a lot more exciting, fair, and satisfying for everyone involved.