Cathie Wood’s ARK makes its first lead investment in startup Lucra — and it isn’t AI

▤ Summary

ARK Invest’s venture fund led a $20 million Series B in Lucra, marking ARK’s first-ever lead investment in an early-stage startup. Lucra sells a B2B software platform that transforms corporate loyalty programs into interactive, esports-style events and tournaments where customers can play and win prizes or cash. Lucra counts customers like Five Iron Golf, Chess Kings, and Dave & Buster’s, and ARK said it moved to lead the round after participating in Lucra’s Series A and reviewing the company’s traction and financials. ARK also noted it was comfortable despite past losses in a related consumer gaming investment because Lucra’s model focuses on selling interactive esports as loyalty and marketing tools to businesses.

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