Thousands and Wildcard Announce a Major Fundraising Initiative
In an exciting development for the gaming industry, Thousands and The Wildcard Alliance have revealed a significant fundraising initiative, securing $9 million in a round co-led by Arbitrum Gaming Ventures and Paradigm. This announcement was made by the company's co-CEOs, Paul and Katy Drake Bettner, who have impressive backgrounds in the gaming world, including successful titles like Words With Friends and Age of Empires.
Funding and Growth Prospects
This new funding adds to an already impressive $46 million Series A raised in 2022, showcasing the confidence investors have in these innovative companies. With $6.5 million raised so far, the teams expect to complete the fundraising in the upcoming weeks. The funds will be allocated to accelerate the development of their groundbreaking products, like the Thousands protocol and the Thousands.tv platform, which aims to enhance user acquisition and support the launch of their highly anticipated game, Wildcard.
A Rewarding Experience for Creators
Paul Bettner remarks on the essence of their mission, emphasizing the need for a better way to reward the game’s creators and influencers. He noted, "Wildcard can only be successful if its creators and community succeed. Thousands provides the necessary on-chain infrastructure for effective user acquisition and conversion tracking." This holistic approach aims to ensure that every contributor, from creators to super fans, is acknowledged for their role in driving the game's success.
Achieving Milestones with Bold Metrics
Since its inception, the Thousands network has experienced explosive growth. In a remarkable feat, May 2025 saw the network generate over $800,000 in revenue, achieving an exceptional average revenue-per-stream of $50,000. The metrics highlight an impressive viewer-to-payer conversion rate of 77%, culminating in a record-high revenue of $134,000, significantly surpassing industry norms.
Redefining the Word-of-Mouth Economy
The Thousands network aims to tap into a vast, trillion-dollar word-of-mouth market, where influence and attribution are made transparent and programmable. It empowers creators to earn immediately when their content facilitates conversions, greatly reducing customer acquisition costs for intellectual property owners compared to conventional methods. This innovative model aligns incentives across the board, fostering a more engaged user base.
Transforming Content and Gaming
Rick Johanson, Founding Partner at Arbitrum Gaming Ventures, spoke passionately about the potential of Thousands, stating, "Their web-native streaming layer merges the engagement of platforms like Twitch with the capabilities of WalletConnect, allowing viewers to become active participants in an on-chain economy, thereby transforming passive spectators into engaged participants." This dynamic shift is pivotal for the future of interactive entertainment.
Community Engagement and Playtesting
The momentum generated by these companies has led to significant achievements. Wildcard, having received the green light for release on Steam, currently boasts over 100,000 community members involved in playtesting Alpha builds of the game. These sessions are streamed on Thousands.tv multiple times a week, showcasing how the Thousands network sustains engagement while achieving impressive monetization rates, averaging $141 per viewer.
The Future of Thousands and Wildcard
Payton Kaleiwahea, a content creator and founder of WolvesDAO, emphasizes the community aspect of gaming with Thousands, stating, "It's no longer a one-way street. Fans and creators are interacting in real-time. With Thousands, being present means everything, fundamentally changing the gaming experience." This interaction reflects the transparent and engaging model that both Thousands and Wildcard are promoting.
About The Companies
Both The Wildcard Alliance and Thousands are on a mission to revolutionize interactive entertainment through community empowerment. Founded by experienced industry veterans Paul and Katy Drake Bettner, the companies are at the forefront of developing disruptive products that blend cutting-edge technology with beloved intellectual properties. Previously, The Wildcard Alliance successfully raised $46 million in 2022 from esteemed investors. Their aim is to continue pioneering innovations that will redefine how games and content interact and engage with audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the $9 million fundraising effort?
The funding aims to accelerate the development of the Thousands protocol and launch their game, Wildcard, creating opportunities for user acquisition.
How does the Thousands network benefit creators?
Creators on the Thousands network can earn as soon as their content leads to conversions, rewarding their contributions in real-time.
What achievements has Wildcard made since its initial funding?
Wildcard has successfully been approved for release on Steam and has a large community actively playtesting the game's Alpha builds.
How does the web-native streaming layer work?
The streaming layer merges gaming with blockchain technology, allowing viewers to actively participate and control aspects of the game environment.
What is the significance of the community engagement aspect?
Community engagement transforms the gaming experience into an interactive platform, fostering a deeper connection between creators and fans.
